Marco Bezzecchi
Marc Marquez rocked the MotoGP paddock and rider market when he announced that he was leaving Honda at the end of the 2023 season.
After his serious crash at Jerez in 2020, the Ant of Cervera struggled to return to form. Complications with his right arm and Honda’s regression hampered his comeback, as he suffered multiple accidents and setbacks.
Ex-crew chief Santi Hernandez told Marquez to leave Honda at the end of 2023. He wanted to return to the top of MotoGP, and he knew that was no longer possible with the Japanese giants.
It led the Spaniard to Ducati, joining satellite outfit Gresini alongside his brother Alex in 2024. Jack Miller noticed Marquez was much happier after his move, but Gresini were not alone in their interest.
KTM wanted Marc Marquez and Pedro Acosta in a third team in 2024 but Dorna didn’t allow another slot
KTM had held an interest in Marquez after he announced his decision to leave Honda. They had a plan of their own for the 2024 season, involving Pedro Acosta.
The 21-year-old was promoted to MotoGP with KTM satellite team Tech3 after winning the Moto2 title in 2023. But that was not the Austrian outfit’s initial intention – they wanted Marquez on board.
According to a report from GPOne, KTM looked to bring in Marquez and put him alongside Acosta in an all-new rider line-up. They had tried to sign a third team to their roster and have the Spaniards together in the same garage.
It was a partnership that Aki Ajo and Francesco Guidotti had ‘longed for’. However, Dorna did not approve of KTM having the extra two slots, subsequently shutting down the plans, with Marquez ending up at Gresini and Acosta at Tech3.
READ MORE: Everything to know about Marc Marquez from net worth to girlfriend
Could Marc Marquez and Pedro Acosta be teammates in MotoGP one day?
While a Marquez-Acosta partnership did not happen at KTM in 2024, it could be possible further down the line, with the MotoGP rider market set to be chaotic in 2026.
Both riders are out of contract at the end of the season, and Acosta is keen on a move away from KTM. The Spaniard will have several suitors in the paddock, and Ducati is among them.
The Borgo Panigale outfit are keeping tabs on the 21-year-old, which would see him partner with Marquez in 2027. However, it is ‘almost impossible’ that Acosta will be riding with Ducati from next year, amid rumours that he has already signed his new contract.
A move to a satellite team, such as VR46, could be possible, which would set up a move to the factory team later on. Honda are also interested in Acosta, and they too are dreaming of a partnership with Marquez as a fairytale return has been rumoured.
Receive racing news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
