Pedro Acosta is ‘very obsessed’ with joining Ducati, but he’s been told why it won’t happen

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Pedro Acosta is assessing his options for the future in MotoGP, with the Spaniard set on leaving KTM for Ducati.

The 21-year-old joined the factory KTM team after a stunning rookie season with Tech3 in 2024, scoring five podiums and finishing sixth in the standings. 2025 has, statistically anyway, been even better, with nine podiums, including Sprints, and sitting P5 with two races to go.

However, Acosta has been frustrated with his RC16, which has been unpredictable and difficult to ride. He crashed numerous times earlier in the season, which left him questioning KTM and their project.

Acosta tried to break his contract amid interest from Ducati satellite team VR46. Valentino Rossi is said to be an admirer of the Spaniard, but a move was not possible for 2026.

Therefore, the KTM star must see out his contract until the end of next season. With the MotoGP rider market set to be sent into chaos with expiring deals, Acosta is already eyeing a move to Ducati.

Pedro Acosta is ‘very obsessed’ with joining Ducati, but they already have their ‘future bet’ in Fermin Aldeguer

Acosta has told his manager to get him out of KTM, with Albert Valera already speaking to numerous teams in the MotoGP paddock. Honda have also been linked with the 21-year-old, but Ducati seem to be his preferred choice.

VR46 chief Uccio Salucci says they will do ‘everything’ to sign Acosta for 2027, citing him as their top target. He is also attracting interest from the factory team, with Ducati viewing Acosta as a target ‘first and foremost’ as a possible replacement for Pecco Bagnaia.

However, he is not the only rider that the Borgo Panigale outfit are considering. Ducati are preparing Fermin Aldeguer for a potential factory seat – he was contracted to have a factory bike in 2026, but Gresini teammate Alex Marquez snubbed him.

But the Spaniard is still in line for a factory seat come 2027. According to journalist Manuel Pecino, Ducati have already chosen him as their ‘future bet’, despite Acosta’s obsession with joining them.

“Pedro is very obsessed with going to Ducati, and it’s understandable, but right now he’s on a very short list of riders who haven’t yet won a Grand Prix,” he said via his YouTube channel.

“Even so, I think Ducati already has its future bet. Pedro needs to be a top rider for a brand, not share the spotlight in a structure where there are already established stars.”

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

Is Fermin Aldeguer ready to join Ducati in MotoGP?

Aldeguer has a rivalry with Acosta, having trained with and raced against each other throughout their careers. The pair have enjoyed numerous battles in MotoGP already, with them both being tipped for the top.

With Aldeguer having a direct contract with Ducati, many are tipping him to join the Borgo Panigale outfit in the future. He is already proving his talent with Gresini in 2025, grabbing his maiden win in the premier class at Mandalika.

Aldeguer won the Rookie of the Year award for his performances on the GP24. Heading into 2026, he is certainly in a good position to join Ducati in the near future.

Luigi Dall’Igna says Aldeguer will race for Ducati ‘one day’, saying it is ‘impossible’ to imagine him not doing so. Acosta may be eyeing the Borgo Panigale outfit, but he may have to dethrone his rival to get the seat.