Carlo Pernat adamant Pedro Acosta hasn’t told the truth about MotoGP contract, ‘sending a clear message’

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Rumours have grown that Pedro Acosta could soon be on the move in MotoGP. There are doubts surrounding his future with KTM.

The Spaniard was promoted to the factory KTM team from Tech3 last season. Acosta scored five podiums and finished sixth in the standings, two points behind current teammate Brad Binder.

However, the 20-year-old has not enjoyed a smooth start to life at KTM. The manufacturer’s financial problems and issues with the RC16 have hampered their riders thus far in 2025.

Acosta has managed just 16 points from the first three races, crashing in Buriram and the Grand Prix of the Americas. He was ahead of the likes of Francesco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez at this point in 2024, having grabbed two podiums.

The Spaniard’s frustrations have been clear to see. Acosta does not seem to care about crashing as he appears disillusioned with KTM’s situation – it has led to rumours that he could leave come the end of the season.

Carlo Pernat thinks Pedro Acosta’s claim about not caring about money is false – he’s sent a ‘clear message’

Acosta is contracted to KTM until 2026 – the manufacturer were desperate to tie him down to a new deal after multiple teams expressed an interest last season.

However, they will struggle to keep the 20-year-old if their issues with the bike are not resolved. KTM have a ‘horrific’ rear tyre problem that has persisted since pre-season.

Despite the poor situation at KTM, Acosta has stated he wants to see his contract out, having been with the team in some capacity since he was 14. Furthermore, Acosta even claimed he doesn’t care about money, understanding the privilege he has of doing what he loves.

However, Carlo Pernat does not think that Acosta’s claim is true. Speaking with Mowmag, he says ‘no rider cares about money’ and that the Spaniard has instead sent a ‘clear message’ of his intention to win in MotoGP.

Asked whether he was ‘horrified’ about Acosta’s claim, Pernat replied: “I’m not horrified because it’s not true: no rider cares about money.

“But for many riders, especially when they’ve arrived in MotoGP and have already earned figures that others wouldn’t have enough for in a lifetime, money is not the priority compared to the possibility of winning. When Pedro Acosta says ‘I don’t care about money’ he’s just sending a clear message.”

Asked who the message was intended to, he replied: “To Ducati, of course!

“It seems that both Honda and Yamaha have already come forward with important offers, but a rider who is aware of being on par with a Marquez or a Pecco, in short of not being one of the crowd but a phenomenon, wants the best bike. Marc Marquez has opened a path in this.”

READ MORE: Everything to know about Pedro Acosta from net worth to girlfriend

What are Pedro Acosta’s options if he chooses to leave KTM?

While he has a contract until next year, Keith Huewen is adamant Acosta has exit clauses. At this stage, it seems the favourite to sign the Spaniard is VR46.

Team owner Valentino Rossi has an ‘open’ relationship with Acosta and is a keen admirer. With Franco Morbidelli out of contract in 2025, VR46 are ready to pounce for Acosta if he leaves KTM.

Honda have also been interested in the 20-year-old. However, it is believed that Acosta would cost five million euros, which may put off the Japanese outfit.

Journalist Manuel Pecino says Acosta will ‘never’ join Ducati while Marquez is there. The Spaniard knows the six-time champion ‘reigns supreme’ at the manufacturer – he wants to forge his own path in MotoGP.