Augusto Fernandez admits Pedro Acosta deserves to be promoted into a MotoGP seat for 2024 but firmly believes he has done enough to earn his GasGas Factory Tech3 seat too.

The only rookie to make their MotoGP debut this season, Fernandez has been forced to do much of the heavy lifting for the rebranded French-based satellite KTM team after more experienced team-mate Pol Espargaro injured himself at the season opener in Portimao.

Despite this, Fernandez has shown encouraging form that has comfortably exceeded the results of his predecessors Remy Gardner and Raul Fernandez, with the 2022 Moto2 World Champion’s fine run to fourth in the French MotoGP the clear highlight.

Even so, his seat remains under threat from ‘next-in-line’ KTM junior Acosta, who is petitioning the Austrian firm for a seat on one of its bikes for 2024 under the threat of joining a rival manufacturer instead.

It’s a situation that is creating a headache for KTM having previously stated its desire to retain Fernandez - who is on a one-year deal - alongside Espargaro, Brad Binder and Jack Miller currently in the first year of their two-year contracts, with Acosta spending another season in Moto2

It’s a view Fernandez remains emphatic about, declaring he has done enough to earn his seat in MotoGP, even if he accepts Acosta too deserves one.

“I think so [I deserve it], I think we did a good job. In this first half we have had good results and we’re also improving and closer to the top guys. I am happy with the team, so I hope to stay one more year with them

“If I stay here, I don’t care, I congratulate Pedro, I think he deserves to be in MotoGP also because he is having a great season in Moto2 also, but hopefully we can share the track next year.”

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With Acosta - currently second in the Moto2 standings - steadfast on his plan to move into MotoGP, KTM’s tone has noticeably changed between the German MotoGP and Dutch TT with indications that it will assure him a seat.

As for where, it is possible Espargaro’s absence might have rendered his contract null and void, with a development role potentially being offered if he doesn’t rediscover his form upon returning to action.

Alternatively, KTM could add a third team to its roster with KTM Motorsport Director Pit Beirer hinting at a team run by its Moto2/3 partners Ajo Motorsport. 

One option could be for it to utilise its other GP racing brand Husqvarna in much the same way it has done with GasGas and Tech3. If it is forced to run two bikes, Jake Dixon would be another