At KTM’s 2026 MotoGP launch event, Pedro Acosta avoided addressing questions about his future in the sport amid widespread speculation about a potential switch to Ducati. The 21-year-old, whose current deal with KTM is set to expire, is regarded as a primary name in the 2027 rider market.
Acosta, who has spent his entire Grand Prix career under KTM, including winning Moto3 and Moto2 world titles, seems to be approaching the end of his tenure with the Austrian outfit. His 2025 season was disappointing as he failed to secure his first MotoGP victory, largely due to KTM’s slower development pace compared to rivals, and he was not a regular on the podium until the latter part of the year.
Speculation about Acosta joining Ducati’s factory team alongside Marc Marquez for 2027 has been circulating throughout the off-season. These rumors gained momentum after reports emerged that Ducati has signed Marquez to a two-year extension as the reigning world champion.
During an online press conference marking KTM’s 2026 colors rollout, Acosta was asked about the status of his contract talks and his plans for the 2027 season. He declined to comment on the rumors or suggest any ongoing negotiations with KTM, saying, “Well, there are enough problems at the moment to see what’s going on in Malaysia (in pre-season testing).” He added, “We are entering 2026. We want to achieve as good a result as we did at the end of 2025… and I don’t think today is the day to talk about that. Today I am participating in the KTM presentation. If you try to focus on 26, 2027 will be a question mark for everyone.”
In the midst of speculation around Acosta’s future, several Spanish media outlets have hinted that Maverick Viñales could be making a move from Tech3 to KTM’s factory team in 2027. Acosta was KTM’s highest-ranked rider last season and became increasingly competitive during the second half of the year, finishing fourth overall in the standings. KTM itself ended the year third in the manufacturers’ championship, trailing behind Aprilia and Ducati, the reigning champion team.
Fan Take:
This potential shake-up in the rider lineup could dramatically alter the competitive landscape in MotoGP, bringing fresh excitement to the grid. Acosta’s move to Ducati, if finalized, promises to fuel new rivalries and push top teams to evolve rapidly, which is great news for fans craving intense, unpredictable racing.
