Top five blast-back by Acosta in Sepang for Malaysian MotoGP™

The Malaysian Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit was another stage for Red Bull GASGAS Tech3’s Pedro Acosta to produce a riveting performance as the 20-year-old Spaniard raced to 5th place in sweltering and sapping conditions. Teammate Augusto Fernandez rode well to progress from a P21 grid slot to take 10th in a race of physical, mental and tire attrition. Daniel Holgado is still in play for 2nd position in the 2024 Moto3™ world championship despite an early race fall.

  • Acosta starts from 13th and powers his way into the top five, probing for more points and positions to ride to P5 in the world championship standings
  • Fernandez capitalizes on his strong feeling at Sepang and decent race pace to make progress from the rear of the grid to grab six points
  • Moto3™ points for Jacob Roulstone in 12th as Daniel Holgado crashes out on the second lap but still has a chance of a FIM World Championship medal in 2024

For the second weekend in succession the heat was on for MotoGP. The Malaysian Grand Prix brought an end to a triple header that involved trips to Australia, Thailand and the demanding Sepang International Circuit.

Acosta had moved into the top ten by the first pass of the checkered flag after the race had to be restarted due to a Turn 2 pile-up. Fernandez was also proactive with his overtaking. The race then became a pacing exercise to stretch tire potential and energy reserves all the way through the 20-lap pursuit. Pedro fought with Alex Marquez for 4th and passed the flag only a second from his countryman for 11 hard won points. The result was his seventh top five classification of the season. Fernandez was strong and defiant, and his 10th place represented his best standing of 2024.

The outcomes of the Malaysian Grand Prix mean that Acosta is 5th in the Riders championship standings while Fernandez is 20th. The cancelled Valencian round will be replaced by another venue for the final fixture of 2024 to be confirmed in the coming days.

Pedro Acosta, 5th: “A strong race but not enough. I lost time overtaking other riders at the beginning and if I was a bit more on the pace then I could have been closer to 4th. The front tire temperature was high and it was tough to manage. I did not want to put the race in the bin for nothing. Happy enough. It was important to finish the race.”

Augusto Fernandez, 10th: “Happy with the top ten and especially with the pace in the race. I had to really manage the tires but I felt great and could overtake and push forwards. I tried to grab that 9th place but, anyway, I’m satisfied with the best race of the season, also in terms of feeling. Better late than never! Now I cannot wait until the last race.”

Nicolas Goyon, GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3 Team Manager: “Finally we are quite happy with these results here in Malaysia. We improved on our qualifying and turned the GP around so I have to congratulate both riders for their efforts. After the Sprint we identified some issues and we found some room for improvement with Pedro and starting from p13 for another top five – both races in the points - is a great achievement, and he is also up to 5th in the championship. Also congratulations to Augusto. We know it has been a difficult season for him but we saw some spark in the Sprint and Sunday was a personal best this year that will give him some energy and power to close the campaign in the best way possible. Thanks to the mechanics for all their hard work in this heat. We’ll get ready for the final round.”

 

Results MotoGP Malaysian Grand Prix

 

1. Francesco Bagnaia (ITA) Ducati 38:04.563

2. Jorge Martin (ESP) Ducati +3.141

3. Enea Bastianini (ITA) Ducati +10.484

5. Pedro Acosta (ESP) Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 +13.699

10. Augusto Fernandez (ESP) Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 +22.174

DNS. Jack Miller (AUS) KTM

DNS. Brad Binder (RSA) KTM

 

World Championship standings MotoGP

 

1. Jorge Martin (ESP) Ducati, 485 points

2. Francesco Bagnaia (ITA) Ducati, 461

3. Marc Marquez (ESP) Ducati, 369

5. Pedro Acosta (ESP) Red Bull GASGAS Tech3, 209

6. Brad Binder (RSA) KTM, 206

14. Jack Miller (AUS) KTM, 84

20. Augusto Fernandez (ESP) Red Bull GASGAS Tech3, 27

 

Moto3

Daniel Holgado and Jacob Roulstone lined-up in 7th and 19th positions for the Grand Prix outing that kicked off proceedings in front of an 88,500 crowd on Sunday. Holgado had priorities of securing P2 for the season as much as banking a strong result at Sepang. The rapid Spaniard slid into the leading group from the outset but a miscalculation into Turn 13 on the second lap caused a highside and he was out of the race. Roulstone was initially out of the top twenty but the Australian worked hard to make progress and squeeze into contention for championship points. He forced his way into the second group and in the decisive final lap rush grabbed 12th at the line.

Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 are 5th in the Teams standings. Holgado has now confirmed a top four championship placing. Roulstone is 15th and still needs to defend the slot at the final Grand Prix.

Jacob Roulstone, 12th: “Quite a decent way to wrap-up the weekend here in Sepang. I had one of my best starts of the season but didn’t make the best line choice into Turn 2 and was hit hard from behind. It meant I had to put my head down to get those positions back and work. I reached a point where I was by myself with a gap in front and also behind so it was a long, lonely race and a mental challenge to stay consistent. There were some things I realized I can work on, especially during this winter. Thanks to the boys for their help again this weekend.”

Daniel Holgado, DNF: “A difficult day. A big mistake…but I am OK. I have another opportunity in the last race. I’m still confident and this is important.”

 

Results Moto3 Malaysian Grand Prix

 

1. David Alonso (COL) CFMOTO 33:03.671

2. Taiyo Furusato (JPN) Honda +0.088

3. Jose Antonio Rueda (ESP) KTM +0.411

5. Collin Veijer (NED) Husqvarna +1.091

12. Jacob Roulstone (AUS) Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 +16.019

14. Xabi Zurutuza (ESP) KTM +20.793

DNF. Tatsuki Suzuki (JPN) Husqvarna

DNF. Daniel Holgado (ESP) Red Bull GASGAS Tech3

DNF. Joel Esteban (ESP) CFMOTO

 

World Championship standings Moto3

 

1. David Alonso (COL) CFMOTO, 396 points

2. Daniel Holgado (ESP) Red Bull GASGAS Tech3, 236

3. Collin Veijer (NED) Husqvarna, 236

7. Jose Antonio Rueda (ESP), KTM, 144

14. Tatsuki Suzuki (JPN) Husqvarna, 88

15. Jacob Roulstone (AUS) Red Bull GASGAS Tech3, 58

17. Joel Esteban (ESP) CFMOTO, 45

23. Xabi Zurutuza (ESP) KTM, 13

CASEY COCHRAN JOINS 2025 ROCKSTAR ENERGY GASGAS FACTORY RACING TEAM

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As part of its RED-hot new lineup for 2025, the Rockstar Energy GASGAS Factory Racing Team proudly announces the addition of rising 250 Class talent Casey Cochran alongside returning GASGAS duo Justin Barcia and Ryder DiFrancesco. The fresh, new official GASGAS squad will be led by newly appointed team manager, Sean Murphy. Casey Cochran joins Rockstar Energy GASGAS Factory Racing’s 250 Class roster for 2025 Veteran leader Sean Murphy appointed as Rockstar Energy GASGAS Factory Racing Team Manager Bam Bam and Ryder D gear up for the 2025 season with revitalized GASGAS SMX effort! This exciting new addition and leadership appointment arrive on the heels of a newly announced partnership between Rockstar® Energy Drink and GASGAS Factory Racing, fueling more anticipation than ever for an action-packed 2025 SuperMotocross World Championship (SMX) season. Cochran has been a Rockstar Athlete since his impressive debut in the 250SX Futures in 2023, where he secured three podium finishes. His journey through the KTM Group’s amateur racing program has been nothing short of remarkable. Last season marked his rookie debut in AMA Supercross, where he began in the SX Futures program to collect pro points before transitioning to the 250SX East division. During Pro Motocross, Cochran further showcased his talent by qualifying P1 at Hangtown and earning his career-first 250MX podium at Spring Creek, finishing third overall. Now, with Barcia and DiFrancesco, Cochran brings new energy and talent to the team, promising an epic dynamic and an electric season ahead. Casey Cochran: “I'm super stoked to join the Rockstar Energy GASGAS Factory Racing Team for the 2025 season. With so many familiar faces around, especially having been a Rockstar athlete since my early amateur career, the transition has been seamless. I am excited to have new teammates that I can learn from and build fresh relationships with as we gear up for Supercross. The crew we have is incredible, and the bike is feeling great. I'm ready to get out on the track and show everyone what this team can do together. Let’s do this!" Sean Murphy brings nearly a decade of expertise to his new role as team manager for the Rockstar Energy GASGAS Factory Racing Team. Murphy has been an integral figure in the motorsport community, serving as team coordinator for the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team since its inception in 2015. Murphy’s leadership style, grounded in strategic oversight and a deep commitment to team success, was instrumental in his past role and is set to elevate the Rockstar Energy GASGAS Factory Racing team as they prepare for 2025. Sean Murphy, Rockstar Energy GASGAS Factory Racing Team Manager: “I am extremely excited to accept the role of team manager for the Rockstar Energy GASGAS Factory Racing Team and be part of this new team partnership between two iconic brands. The Rockstar Energy brand means a lot to our racing family, and we couldn’t be more grateful to have them onboard for the 2024 SMX Championship season. I got to see Casey’s talent and great potential firsthand last year, and I’m excited to see him thrive with riders like Justin and Ryder. We’re ready for 2025!" Jennifer Kalban, Senior Sports Marketing Manager, Rockstar Energy: "Rockstar Energy is proud to expand our partnership with the KTM Group and continue growing the Rockstar Energy racing family. Working closely with Sean since the inception of the Husqvarna team has been incredibly rewarding and we’re excited to continue taking our collaboration to new heights. We are also proud to continue supporting Casey as he joins the Rockstar Energy GASGAS Factory Racing Team and look forward to his continued success." As we gear up for the upcoming season, the Rockstar Energy GASGAS Factory Racing Team is ready to take on new challenges and build on our success. Stay tuned for more updates as we GET ON THE GAS while preparing to line up at A1! About Rockstar Energy: Founded in 2001, Rockstar Energy Drink is committed to understanding the mind-body connection, providing functional energy to keep you moving confidently through every moment. It empowers a new generation to feel energized both mentally and physically, giving them the power to access and optimize every version of themselves. Acquired by PepsiCo in 2020, Rockstar Energy Drink offers over 40 products and is available in more than 30 countries. For more information, visit www.rockstarenergy.com and unlock your full potential, mind, and body.

GASGAS FACTORY RACING AND ROCKSTAR ENERGY™ TEAM UP FOR 2025 SMX WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

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Turn up the heat! GASGAS Factory Racing and Rockstar® Energy Drink will take on a bold new challenge together in 2025, introducing the Rockstar Energy GASGAS Factory Racing Team that will contest the 2025 SuperMotocross World Championship, inclusive of AMA Supercross, Pro Motocross and the SMX Finals series. Rockstar Energy GASGAS Factory Racing bringing the heat into 2025! Spicy new collaboration for SMX next year rolled out at EICMA show #51 GASGAS MC 450F Factory Edition to tease Rockstar Energy livery Rockstar Energy GASGAS Factory Racing will introduce an epic new in-house team for U.S. competition ahead of next season – full details to be revealed! We’ll be formally unveiling our exciting partnership during this week's 110th edition of the legendary EICMA show in Milan, Italy! Don't miss the #51 dirt bike in its striking new Rockstar Energy livery to get a taste of what's in the works... Lining up with the RED-hot 2025 GASGAS MC 450F Factory Edition and 2025 GASGAS MC 250F Factory Edition in SMX, Rockstar Energy GASGAS Factory Racing will be certain to make an impact both on- and off-track from the very first gate-drop of the year. That's right, we're already pumped for Anaheim 1 this coming January! Since first entering the AMA Supercross Championship in 2021, GASGAS Factory Racing has achieved its share of podium-topping success on multiple occasions, first with Justin Barcia winning the 450SX Main Event on debut at Houston that season, and most recently with Pierce Brown picking up the final 250SMX victory of the 2024 season in Las Vegas! Recognized for its long-standing collaboration with AMA Supercross and Pro Motocross Championship teams in the high-profile North American-based series, Rockstar Energy is taking its involvement to the next level with its newfound GASGAS Factory Racing partnership. “Rockstar Energy is excited to officially partner with the GASGAS team for the 2025 season, expanding our footprint in SuperMotocross and further deepening our connection to the sport,” says Steve Mateus, director of sports marketing, PepsiCo. “Motorsports, particularly supercross and motocross, have always been central to Rockstar’s brand legacy. This partnership with the KTM Group is not only true to our roots but also represents a powerful step forward as we look to energize and connect with fans on and off the track.” Above all else, this new partnership underlines the commitment GASGAS has to racing at the highest level. One thing’s sure, GASGAS is fully focused on looking forward and building for the future. Heading into pre-season testing, it’s full steam ahead for Rockstar Energy GASGAS Factory Racing. And, just like GASGAS has done over the last four years, in 2025 we’ll be bringing the heat, the fun, and the good times to stadiums and race tracks across the USA! As you might have guessed, new GASGAS dirt bikes, heavily inspired by what we’ll have on show at EICMA, are soon to be released. Stay tuned to our social channels and make sure you’re signed up to our newsletter to be the first in line to see what we’ve been cooking up over the last few months. About Rockstar Energy: Founded in 2001, Rockstar Energy Drink is committed to understanding the mind-body connection, providing functional energy to keep you moving confidently through every moment. It empowers a new generation to feel energized both mentally and physically, giving them the power to access and optimize every version of themselves. Acquired by PepsiCo in 2020, Rockstar Energy Drink offers over 40 products and is available in more than 30 countries. For more information, visit www.rockstarenergy.com and unlock your full potential, mind, and body.

MotoGP™ podium in Thailand as Acosta is back with a bang!

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Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 returned to the sweet haze of podium Prosecco after a stunning performance by Pedro Acosta in wet conditions at Buriram delivered the crew’s fifth trophy of 2024. The Spaniard moved up from 7th on the grid to seize 3rd with two laps to go and bagged his first rostrum appearance since the round 15 in Indonesia. Augusto Fernandez ran top eight at the overcast venue northeast of Bangkok but a late fall meant a DNF.