Jorge Lorenzo stated that Pedro Acosta’s future in MotoGP will largely hinge on how well his manufacturer performs in the 2026 season. Early in 2025, Acosta frequently criticized the KTM RC16’s performance, which lagged behind Ducati’s Desmosedici, and he was often outpaced by fellow KTM rider Maverick Vinales. However, despite KTM not making significant upgrades, Acosta’s performance improved mid-season. Still, Acosta finished his second MotoGP year without a victory, reinforcing the need for KTM to enhance their bike in 2026. Lorenzo believes that Acosta’s motivation to remain with KTM will depend on his ability to win next season. He said during the Valencia test broadcast, “It depends on the result. If Pedro starts winning four races consecutively, he will definitely reconsider and want to stay with KTM.”
Regarding Fabio Quartararo, his winless streak extended into the 2022 German round, and dissatisfaction with Yamaha’s performance was evident among riders in 2025. Quartararo was Yamaha’s top points scorer and secured two pole positions, but the team struggled with reliability and lacked pace to contend for wins or podiums consistently. Yamaha riders are increasingly contemplating a switch in manufacturer by 2027. Lorenzo commented on Quartararo’s situation, noting the tension between financial incentives and results, stating that success on the track is ultimately what counts. He pointed out that Ducati remains the most competitive, even though other manufacturers invest heavily without the same success, making it a tough balance for riders deciding their future.
Yamaha plans to switch from their long-used inline four-cylinder engines to V4 engines in 2026 to align with other manufacturers. Lorenzo, experienced with Yamaha’s previous engine setup, acknowledged that this change won’t automatically fix their performance issues. He explained that mastering the new engine format will be challenging due to Yamaha’s limited experience with V4 engines, even though it may improve their top speed potential.
Fan Take: This update highlights the high stakes for riders like Acosta and Quartararo as they navigate manufacturer performance and career decisions. For racing fans, it underscores how technological progress and competitive dynamics can dramatically shape the future landscape of MotoGP.
