Marco Bezzecchi
Pedro Acosta will certainly be one of the hottest topics on the MotoGP rider market in 2026 as his KTM contract expires.
The 21-year-old is considered one of the rising stars in the premier class, with seven podiums and one pole position in the first year and a half in the category.
KTM were quick to secure Acosta’s services for the next two years after his impressive rookie campaign in 2024. But frustrations began to boil over the winter and into 2025 amid the manufacturer’s financial crisis.
The Austrian outfit’s desperate situation off the track was reflected on the track, as the RC16 proved difficult to handle for the riders in the opening races. Acosta was despondent about KTM in media debriefs, slamming the manufacturer and calling for upgrades.
His anger towards the situation led to rumours that he could look to break his contract and move teams in 2026. Acosta has been heavily linked with VR46 this season as he is said to be eyeing a move to Ducati.
Dorna want a ‘superstar’ rider in each MotoGP factory – it could help KTM keep Pedro Acosta
However, Acosta cannot leave KTM in 2026 as Dorna prevented him from breaking his contract. Ducati were waiting with ‘open arms’ for Acosta with VR46, but he was forced to reject them.
Since then, KTM look to have turned a corner as improvements are coming from the RC16. With two podiums in the last three races, Acosta sits fifth in the standings, with the drama earlier in the year seemingly behind them.
It gives the Spaniard a difficult decision to make regarding his future. Acosta believes he can beat Marc Marquez on a Ducati, but such a line-up may not be possible due to Dorna’s ‘influence’ over contracts.
As journalist Simon Patterson notes via The Race, Dorna are likely to want a ‘superstar’ rider in each MotoGP factory. It could be key for KTM to retain Acosta’s services beyond 2026.
Talking about how Fermin Aldeguer would allow for a smoother line-up with Marquez than Acosta at Ducati, Paterson said: “It is, but I think that there’s lots of factors why a Marquez-Acosta line-up won’t really work or why it won’t come together as easily as maybe people think.
“We know that Dorna has the ability to influence these contract decisions to an extent and it’s looking more and more likely that they want a superstar rider in each factory.
“And that’s going to help KTM out in retaining Acosta’s services. It also looks like the KTM dramas are behind them largely, and that the bike is starting to improve again, which bodes well for the new rule cycle and what comes in ’27.”
READ MORE: Everything to know about Pedro Acosta from net worth to girlfriend
Why Pedro Acosta must consider leaving KTM in 2027
While KTM have secured Acosta’s services until at least 2027, his future beyond then is uncertain, as is the future of the manufacturer in MotoGP.
The company has been saved by majority shareholders Bajaj Auto, which will, for now, keep them on the grid in MotoGP. KTM have reiterated their commitment to racing until at least 2027, but their project could look very different as their crisis continues.
KTM could sell Tech3 and run with just the factory outfit’s two bikes. What’s more is that the team could be set to lose a huge ally, as Red Bull are considering ending their sponsorship and moving to Honda.
With the uncertainty surrounding KTM’s future and a significant loss in investment if Red Bull chooses to leave, Acosta must consider joining Honda. The Japanese giants will have huge funding behind them, and with the Spaniard being a Red Bull rider, the project could be too good to refuse.
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