Marco Bezzecchi
Jorge Martin might not be the only big-name MotoGP rider leaving their current team after the 2025 season, with Pedro Acosta also looking to quit KTM like the Aprilia star.
The MotoGP rider market has been thrown into chaos with the news of Martin telling Aprilia at Le Mans that he intends to trigger an exit clause in the Spaniard’s contract. He only joined the Noale squad this season, but is not happy with the level of their RS-GP25’s performance.
Martin has closely monitored Aprilia’s results during his injury absence, and now thinks their bike is not at the standards the team promised whilst negotiating the 27-year-old’s two-year contract. Trackhouse rookie Ai Ogura is the top-ranked Aprilia rider, yet only has 43 points.
No KTM rider has earned more points than Acosta with 46 in the first six rounds of the 2025 MotoGP season, too. But as he only sits ninth in the standings and is 125 points shy of Marc Marquez, the 20-year-old is also keen to get out of the two-year deal he started this season.
Pedro Acosta has ‘no interest’ in Honda’s money and wants to leave KTM for VR46 in 2026
KTM’s financial issues and lack of results this year have raised questions about the Mazarron native’s future with the Austrian outfit. Additionally, Honda met Acosta’s agent in Qatar, but the 2021 Moto3 and 2023 Moto2 champion is ‘not interested’ in joining the Japanese team.
READ MORE: Everything to know about Pedro Acosta from net worth to girlfriend
That is according to Moto.it, which reports that Acosta is ‘itching to leave’ KTM after just six rounds together and is ‘clear’ he wants to join VR46 next season. He has no desire to accept the vast riches that Honda may throw at the Spaniard as Acosta is desperate to get a Ducati.
Acosta even sees joining VR46 in 2026 as a stepping-stone towards potentially riding for the factory Ducati squad in 2027. Francesco Bagnaia and Marquez are both only under contract for the Borgo Panigale brand through 2026, when Acosta’s factory KTM deal is due to lapse.
If it were not for Acosta’s desire to join VR46, then the team Valentino Rossi founded would not hesitate to retain Franco Morbidelli. The Tavullia outfit are keen to keep the 30-year-old beyond his contract for only the current campaign, but it is hard to say no to signing Acosta.
Pedro Acosta’s stance could clear the way for Honda to capitalise on Jorge Martin leaving Aprilia
Acosta’s stance could thus clear Honda to capitalise on Martin potentially leaving Aprilia, as Luca Marini is out of contract with the Japanese brand to create a potential opening. Honda are prepared to double Martin’s Aprilia salary, as well, if they can resolve their dispute soon.
Aprilia do not believe Martin’s exit clause is valid, given he missed five of the first six rounds due to injury, so have also rejected the Madrid native’s offer to extend it by six races. He had to rank in the top three of the championship after the French Grand Prix for it to be invalid.
READ MORE: Everything to know about Jorge Martin from net worth to girlfriend
It is also an easier route for the Japanese giant to capitalise on Martin leaving Aprilia than to try to sign the Madrid native’s compatriot. Acosta’s KTM contract has a €5m (£4.5m) release clause, but Honda may not have to pay Aprilia a penny if Martin does trigger his exit clause.
Receive racing news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
