The 19-year-old reigning Moto2 champion made his official MotoGP debut on Friday at the Losail International Circuit with the KTM-backed Tech3 GasGas squad.
Leading both sessions at various stages, Acosta was third overall in the dry FP1 and third in the rain-hit second outing to cap off a first day that has generated more hype around the rookie.
Ducati’s Bagnaia was not surprised by Acosta’s pace, but says the young Spaniard needs to be left to get on with his development as a rider and not have any more pressure heaped on his shoulders.
“Acosta has gone very fast,” Bagnaia said.
“We expected it, because he has always gone very fast. Acosta must be left alone, he has enough pressure.”
Acosta refused to get too excited about his Friday in Qatar, noting that expectations are the worst thing a young rider can have in the MotoGP paddock.
He also admitted “everything comes easy” right now because he is yet to find the limits of the RC16.
“I was not really thinking in any [expectations for] the start,” Acosta said.
“I say clear, I come here without expectations, I think expectation is the worst thing you can have in this paddock.
Source: Autosport