Pedro Acosta sets the record for the youngest rider on the podium for two GPs in a row | FP

Austin 2024: not just Viñales

Behind the amazing weekend and the memorable victory of Maverick Viñales in Grand Prix of the Americas 2024in Austin there was another Spanish driver who went down in history for a reason, even without having won: Pedro Acosta. That 'Tiburon' was the new talent on two wheels was also understood in the minor categories of the MotoGP, having become champion in both Moto3 and Moto2 with a unique style. The appointment with the first notable results in the premier class, therefore, was only a question of time.

How the new record was born

In Austin, in fact, the Spaniard from the GASGAS Tech3 team gave an update a new record of precocity. To understand what it is, it is necessary to take a step back to the last Portuguese GP, when Acosta reached the finish line 3rd. At the age of 19 years, 9 months and 28 days, the Spaniard becomes the third youngest rider ever to achieve a top-three finish, behind Eduardo Salatino and Randy Mamona, the all-time record holder at 19 years, 8 months and 19 days.

How it is done

The American, vice-world champion in 1987, did not, however, set the record set by Acosta in Austin, namely that of youngest driver ever to achieve two consecutive podiums: 19 years, 10 months and 20 daysthe. Furthermore, improving the performance of Portimao, finishing in second position, Acosta is now aiming for another record, the most coveted one. In case he wins by the German Grand Prixscheduled for 5 to 7 July on the Sachsenring circuit, the Spaniard would become the youngest ever to win in MotoGPthus surpassing his compatriot Marc Marquez. It was precisely in Austin that the current Gresini team rider made history by climbing to the top step of the podium in 20 years and 63 days.