But his skill and maturity shone throughout his first round as a premier class rider.
He added about his performance on Sunday: “At the pit stop I saw that Brad Binder and Jorge Martin were increasing the pace, and I was behind them.
“That was important because, in the sprint, I was behind Alex, while [on Sunday] I was following riders like Martin and Marquez who have a very different style.
“That’s something that makes a difference when you ride on slower circuits. On that pace I felt better and I had more control.
“That’s why I tried to overtake especially in Turn 6 and 16, where it was more difficult
Acosta has laid down a marker that he will upset many more experienced riders before his rookie campaign is over.
He detailed the difference between his first-ever shortened Saturday race: “Overtaking was more difficult than I expected in the sprint, where we all had a smaller tank and the bike was much more responsive.
“It was moving more and everyone was faster.
“[On Sunday] with more weight, the bike was more stable, and the tyres too.
I took steps forward in terms of experience, and overtaking was easier too.”
The 19-year-old later compared his thrilling moment to… something else.
“It lasted just long enough,” Acosta was quoted by GPOne. “It’s like when you lose your virginity – everything starts to be good and then it’s a disaster!
“It could not have ended so well. I’m satisfied, coming to the first race and overtaking so many people is what I enjoyed the most.
