How Pedro Acosta’s manager responded when asked if KTM rider is seeking ‘ways out’

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Pedro Acosta took a pole position and scored five podiums during his rookie MotoGP season in 2024. But KTM appear to have regressed over the winter.

Acosta graduated from satellite squad Tech3 to the KTM factory team alongside Brad Binder. While a first win would have been his main objective, it doesn’t look realistic right now.

The Spaniard has just scored 13 points in the first two rounds of the season, six fewer than Binder. That tally, which leaves him 10th in the championship, isn’t entirely representative.

Acosta showed top-five pace in Thailand, so say his engineers, but an early fall condemned him to 19th. He may be guilty of overriding the bike in the face of its limitations.

The 20-year-old qualified a creditable P5 in Argentina last time out. But he then dropped back to ninth in the Sprint and eighth in the main Grand Prix.

Pedro Acosta’s manager insists he hasn’t held talks with KTM rivals

After finishing runner-up to Ducati last term, KTM left Argentina fourth in the constructors’ table. It’s worth noting that they’re level with Aprilia and only four behind Honda.

Acosta is sure to be one of the most in-demand riders on the MotoGP grid. Any hint of unhappiness will be met with multiple enquiries.

Valentino Rossi has held talks with Acosta in the hope of bringing him to VR46.

And while Acosta hates being called the next Marc Marquez, Honda may see him as the symbolic successor to his compatriot.

Speaking to Motorsport Espana, though, manager Albert Valera reassured KTM. When asked about the prospect of an exit, he clarified that it wasn’t on the table.

“I haven’t spoken to anyone,” he said. “We’ve only been in two races, so we have to stay calm.

“Obviously, Pedro expected a little more from KTM at the start of the season , like the rest of the brand’s riders. We must remain calm, stay calm, and wait for the next races, the first in Europe, and then make an assessment.

“Maybe he’ll have a great race in Austin or Qatar and the perception of things will change, so let’s give it a little time. The year is very long, and this has only just begun. I don’t think it’s time to start thinking about ways out of anything.”

Pedro Acosta makes emphatic point about KTM MotoGP contract

Honda say it’s not the right to sign Acosta because they’re not sufficiently competitive. They’ve made a clear leap over the winter but the gap to Ducati is still significant.

Nevertheless, the Japanese manufacturer wouldn’t want to miss the chance if Acosta became available. The underwhelming Luca Marini is out of contract at the end of the season.

In his media rounds after Argentina, Acosta made it very clear that he has a two-year deal at KTM. He intends to see out that agreement.

In the background, uncertainty over KTM’s MotoGP future persists. While a restructuring plan has been approved, their medium-to-long-term future in the premier class is still not guaranteed.