Pedro Acost🧔a has received a glowing reference after Aleix Espargaro got a close-up view of ꦉhis talent.

Rookie Acosta shone at the prౠeseason MotoGP ✤test in Sepang by going second-fastest on the opening day.

His e♈mergence resulted 🔴in Pol Espargaro being demoted from Tech3 GASGAS full-time rider to a KTM test spot.

“Pedro’s talent is amazing,” Aleix said.

“Since arriving in thಌe championship he has d🐻one extraordinary things.

“It’s just his third time in Sepang, his second time in🌱 MotoGP.

“Obviously he has been riding for a lot of [time]𒁏.

“When ꦯyou see him on track, I was riding with him for a couple of laps, you see the lines that he’s taking. They are n🎉ot rookie lines.

“It’s unbelievable how fast he learns.

“He is one to watch during the season.”

Aleix ܫsaid about Aprilia’s showing at the Sepang test: “Very happy overall. I enjoyed this first test of the se꧑ason.

“We did a r𝔉eally goo♒d job. We’ve completed our best test programme since I’ve been at Aprilia. I am proud.

“The ‘24 spec bike is promising, 🦄it’s💞 looking good. I can’t wait to go to Qatar.”

Aleix’s sprint simulation was sev🌞en seconds faster 🌠than it was a year ago.

“We 𒅌did a solid job. Michelin told me that we simulated the sprint with used tyres,” he said.

“It was almost our qualifying lap time of last year so I’m happy with th♏ese imp📖rovements.”

But Aprilia boss Massimo Riv♑ola claims they cannot fi💟ght for the championship.

“He’s right,” Aleix said. “Once again, all the D🅠ucatis were on top.

“I was the only bike in the mix with them.

“We improved a lot. The bike is definitely be💞tter than last season’s.

“I’m 🐲not sure if we’re able to fight for the title yet. We still have time.

“Massimo is right. [Ducati] are still th𓃲e bike ওto beat.”