Pedro Acosta ‘responded with a smile’ after one MotoGP team said they wanted to sign him

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Pedro Acosta could be the most sought-after rider in the MotoGP paddock in 2027 as he considers his future at KTM.

The Spaniard is one of the hottest prospects in the premier class, currently sitting fifth in the standings in his sophomore season. However, despite his incredible talent, Acosta is one of four riders yet to win a race.

A key factor is his bike’s lack of performance compared to its rivals. KTM are not currently giving him the resources to win, although he has had strong races in 2025, grabbing nine podiums, including Sprint races, thus far.

The picture is bleak in Austria as KTM owners Bajaj plan to cut costs by 50%, including the motorsport division. It will not give Acosta much confidence heading into 2026 and beyond, when he could activate the MotoGP rider market and make a move away.

Pedro Acosta ‘responded with a smile’ after learning VR46 wanted to sign him

Acosta wants out of KTM amid their financial crisis, with manager Albert Valera already talking to several teams on the grid.

Honda are said to be interested in the 21-year-old as the Japanese giants are keen to return to the top of the premier class. They have more financial backing than any other manufacturer, but Ducati appears more attractive.

Acosta tried to join VR46 and break his KTM contract earlier this year. Valentino Rossi is a keen admirer of the Shark, but a move did not materialise as Carmelo Ezpeleta blocked any transfers for 2026.

The Ducati satellite team remain interested, however, with Uccio Salucci saying VR46 will try ‘everything’ to sign Acosta. In a report from MOW, the Spaniard ‘responded with a smile’ when learning that they want to sign him for 2027.

This has been Acosta’s only movement on the market thus far as he assesses his options. He is keen to ‘leave a door open for KTM’, as he has been with the brand for many years and appreciates the opportunities they have given him.

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

KTM must give Pedro Acosta a winning bike to keep him beyond 2026

It is not just VR46 who are keeping tabs on the Spaniard at the Borgo Panigale operation. Ducati are eyeing Acosta ‘first and foremost’ as a potential replacement for the struggling Francesco Bagnaia.

The interest is clear to see, and it puts KTM under even more pressure to fix their current situation. While they are committed to MotoGP and are already focusing on the 2027 regulations, Bajaj’s cuts do not sound convincing to a rider who wants to win races and championships.

Put simply, KTM must provide Acosta with a bike that is capable of challenging Ducati and winning. He is showing that he is capable of reaching the top of MotoGP, but does not have the machine to do it.

Pol Espargaro is reminded of Rossi by Acosta with the way he brakes on the RC16. The potential is there from the rider, but it is now up to KTM to deliver the goods, or he will move on.