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Pedro Acosta has been seen doing something worrying in KTM media debriefs, ‘he’s completely given up’

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Pedro Acosta has been enjoying a solid run of form with KTM in recent weeks. But his persona off the track may be telling a different story.

After a difficult start to the season, where the RC16 proved to be a handful for the KTM riders, the Spaniard is beginning to see signs of improvement. While the bike is still far from perfect, Acosta is starting to fight at the front more regularly.

The 21-year-old registered his best result of the season at the Aragon Grand Prix. Qualifying fifth on the grid, Acosta finished in P4, five seconds off of his first podium of the season.

PosRiderTeamTime/Diff
1Marc MarquezDucati Lenovo (GP25)41m 11.195s
2Alex MarquezBK8 Gresini Ducati (GP24)+1.107s
3Francesco BagnaiaDucati Lenovo (GP25)+2.029s
4Pedro AcostaRed Bull KTM (RC16)+7.657s
5Franco MorbidelliPertamina VR46 Ducati (GP24)+10.363s
6Fermin AldeguerBK8 Gresini Ducati (GP24)*+11.889s
7Joan MirHonda HRC Castrol (RC213V)+14.938s
8Marco BezzecchiAprilia Racing (RS-GP25)+16.022s
9Fabio Di GiannantonioPertamina VR46 Ducati (GP25)+18.321s
10Raul FernandezTrackhouse Aprilia (RS-GP25)+19.190s
11Alex RinsMonster Yamaha (YZR-M1)+19.646s
12Enea BastianiniRed Bull KTM Tech3 (RC16)+24.624s
13Augusto FernandezPramac Yamaha (YZR-M1)+25.986s
14Jack MillerPramac Yamaha (YZR-M1)+26.761s
15Miguel OliveiraPramac Yamaha (YZR-M1)+27.122s
2025 Grand Prix of Aragon results

The KTM rider was the only one to gamble with a hard front tyre for the race. Acosta said ‘it can’t get any worse’ after making the decision, but it paid off handsomely with a strong performance.

Despite grabbing his fifth top eight finish in a row, the Spaniard has continued to reiterate the problems with his bike as he tries to push the team forward.

Acosta sent KTM a desperate plea for help recently, as he stressed that all four riders have been suffering on the RC16 this season. His dejection towards the manufacturer spells worrying news for his future.

KTM rider of Pedro Acosta speaking with engineers during testing in Barcelona in 2024
Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images

Pedro Acosta has been seen with ‘no enthusiasm’ about KTM in media debriefs

Acosta and Brad Binder have demanded action from KTM after visiting the factory in Austria. The South African had been enjoying his best weekend of the season, reaching Q2 automatically and was running P5 up until he crashed out at turn three at the midway point.

His teammate has been despondent about KTM in interviews throughout the season. Acosta even said his best MotoGP race was ‘annoying’, after he finished sixth at Silverstone.

Acosta ‘will not dare’ speak publicly about leaving KTM, with rumours swirling about his future with the team. But journalist David Emmett has seen the 21-year-old has ‘completely given up’ on the team after speaking to him in media debriefs.

“Pedro just feels like he’s completely given up on KTM already. It really feels like he has no enthusiasm for anything,” he said via the Paddock Pass Podcast.

“It’s the opposite to his rookie year. Again, when you’re a rookie, you also perhaps enjoy the attention. His enthusiasm, his joy, he just doesn’t… like when he comes up to speak to us, it doesn’t feel like he wants to do it.

“He doesn’t look like he’s enjoying himself. It just really feels like he’s consigned this to, and he’s just seeing it out.”

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

Pedro Acosta of KTM on the grid at the 2025 Aragon Grand Prix
Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images

What Marc Marquez has said about Pedro Acosta riding a Ducati amid KTM exit rumours

KTM ‘restricted Acosta’s contract from having the same exit clause as Jorge Martin, who is trying to force a way out of Aprilia in 2026. The pair share Albert Valera as their manager, with KTM wanting to avoid repeating their situation with Martin, after he left the team for Pramac in 2021.

Acosta is said to be considering his future with KTM, even if he will not publicly talk about his situation. Honda could look to sign the 21-year-old, while Valentino Rossi is interested in signing Acosta for VR46.

The Spaniard has a two-year factory contract with KTM, but Acosta faces huge uncertainty on and off the track, as the manufacturer’s owners are set to focus on cuts.

Marc Marquez says Acosta would be faster on a Ducati, given his struggles at KTM this season. It is understood that Ducati would be the Spaniard’s preferred choice.