Valentino Rossi has long been an admirer of KTM star Pedro Acosta and has looked to get him into his MotoGP team for some time.
The Spaniard has made a strong impression in the premier class since joining in 2024. After a standout rookie season with Tech3, he moved to the factory KTM team in 2025 and took another step, finishing fourth in the standings.
However, despite this success, Acosta called 2025 a ‘wasted year of life’. He wants to be winning races and titles in MotoGP, and at present, KTM do not have the tools or finances to allow him to fulfil that dream.
Finish the sentence: In 2027, Pedro Acosta will ride for…
The 21-year-old was heavily critical of the manufacturer in 2025, blasting them to the media about their lack of success. He did tone down his frustrations in the second half of the season, but his intentions remain clear for the future.
‘Everyone’ at KTM is preparing to lose Acosta come 2027, with his contract expiring at the end of 2026. VR46 are among those interested in the Spaniard and may not waste time in their quest to sign him.
Valentino Rossi could put an offer to Pedro Acosta at ‘any moment’
Reports have suggested that Acosta has already ‘signed’ his 2027 contract, but it is not clear for whom he has signed. He wants to be riding a Ducati bike, given their success in MotoGP this decade.
However, it is ‘almost impossible’ that Acosta will join the Ducati factory team, with them committed to renewing Marc Marquez’s contract. That being said, the Borgo Panigale outfit could sign him directly and put him in a satellite team, such as VR46.
Acosta held talks with VR46 earlier in 2025 as he tried to find a way out of KTM. But in the end, no move materialised, as Dorna warned riders about breaking their contracts.
But as per a report from AS, ‘Rossi has made no secret of his interest’ in Acosta for months and is determined to bring him on board. He could put an offer to the KTM star ‘at any moment’, as VR46’s interest is ‘very real’.
Uccio Salucci says VR46 will do ‘everything’ to sign Acosta for the 2027 season. Rossi will certainly be pushing to get his top target.
READ MORE: Everything to know about Pedro Acosta from net worth to girlfriend
Pedro Acosta’s VR46 links in 2025 sparked criticism from Fabio Di Giannantonio
With the MotoGP rider market set to be wide open in 2026, VR46 will be looking to get a deal done for Acosta as soon as possible. It will certainly be a lot smoother than their negotiations in 2025, which landed the KTM rider in hot water with Fabio Di Giannantonio.
During the Dutch TT, the Spaniard posed in front of VR46’s sponsor board in the paddock. Di Giannantonio called Acosta out over the stunt, telling him to show respect to KTM.
Acosta brushed off the criticism, telling Diggia to take it as a light-hearted joke. But the Italian, who could very well be his teammate in 2027, was less than impressed.
Di Giannantonio renewed his criticism of Acosta, urging him to ‘show respect’ to his team. The talks in 2026 will certainly be interesting, especially since the Spaniard seems set on moving away.
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