The promise Valentino Rossi made to Pedro Acosta before re-signing Franco Morbidelli at VR46

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VR46 have officially confirmed that Franco Morbidelli will race for the team in 2026. Thus, the speculation about a move for Pedro Acosta will come to an end.

Both parties have acknowledged that Acosta held talks with VR46. He gave strong consideration to leaving KTM amid their slow start to the 2025 season.

But Valentino Rossi will have to table his interest for now. Acosta will be back on the market next year, but until then, the MotoGP legend is sticking with Morbidelli and Fabio di Giannantonio.

Acosta could be the face of MotoGP once Marc Marquez retires. He’s yet to win a Grand Prix or a Sprint but he’s underlined his superstar potential with seven podium finishes, something no other KTM rider has managed since the opening round of last season.

Pedro Acosta had until 1 September to find a way out of VR46 contract

A report from Motorsport Espana brings to light a crucial detail from Rossi’s talks with Acosta. The Spaniard openly flirted with the move by posing in front of the VR46 sponsor wall earlier this season.

Acosta’s conduct angered Fabio di Giannantonio, even though his seat wasn’t directly under threat. Rossi would have to release Morbidelli, the first rider he signed to his academy.

• READ MORE: MotoGP fans slam Valentino Rossi after Franco Morbidelli’s VR46 contract extension is announced

It’s said that, during an informal meeting at Mugello, Rossi told Acosta he’d give him until 1 September to find a way out of his KTM contract. He kept that ‘promise’ and announced Morbidelli a day after the deadline elapsed.

Acosta’s KTM contract was watertight, and Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta warned in the midst of the Jorge Martin case that riders wouldn’t be able to enter the world championship if they violated a previous agreement.

Marc Marquez knows what Pedro Acosta can achieve

Morbidelli was willing to step aside if Rossi decided to replace him with Acosta. That may still happen for 2027, but he’s safe for now.

Dorna would like Acosta to stay at KTM as they try to spread the biggest talents between the manufacturers. It’s unclear how much influence they can wield.

Acosta’s decision will be complicated. KTM are back on an upward trajectory after a company-saving takeover, but even if they’re in a position to win next year, the Spaniard must predict the pecking order under the heavily altered 2027 regulations.

Marquez believes Acosta can be the future of MotoGP, along with Martin and Fermin Aldeguer. But his contractual decisions will have an enormous bearing on whether he fulfils his potential.