It’s no secret that Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) is a true uncut gem, which is why it's not surprising that the two-time World Champion has secured a ride at the elite level of motorcycle racing. GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3 confirmed the Spanish starlet will join them in MotoGP™ for 2024 alongside Augusto Fernandez. In celebration of the deal, get to know a little more about one of the sport’s up-and-coming stars!

1. In honour of Kevin Schwantz, and after his father also used to sport the number '34' on his bike during Sunday rides at the Cartagena circuit, people at the motocross school used to call him Kevin.

2. Although it's hard to believe, there was a time when Acosta was afraid of motorcycles.

3. His nickname (Shark) has a clear origin. Acosta was born into a family of fishermen in the Port of Mazarron in Spain. This is how his grandfather and father made a living, with his father even creating his first logo: a fierce shark.

4. Acosta's two biggest idols are Casey Stoner and Kevin Schwantz.

5. Pedro Acosta describes himself as 'Shaggy' from Scooby Doo, as he believes the character perfectly matches his life philosophy and his way of approaching things.

6. The Murcian rider admits to not having a very large group of friends but highlights Remy Gardner and Paco Marmol, his inseparable coach, as two of the great ones.

7. The Moto3™ World Champion has a corner named after him on the Cartagena circuit in Murcia, which includes the figure of a striking shark.

8. Acosta is the youngest of a family of 5. He has two older sisters, Maria del Mar and Miriam.

9. Over the past year, he has pushed his physical limits to the maximum in preparation for moving up to the premier class. Acosta has gained up to 7 kilograms in weight.

10. Jaime Alguersuari, ex-Formula 1 driver, wrote Pedro Acosta's biography: 'The 17-Year-Old World Champion: The Untold Story,' which narrates the unexpected victory of a 16-year-old boy in the Moto3™ category in 2021.