Ducati chief offers his verdict on Pedro Acosta’s links to VR46 for the 2027 season

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Pedro Acosta is one of the most sought-after riders on the MotoGP grid right now, with the Spaniard set on making a move in 2027.

The KTM star is putting pressure on the manufacturer to give him a winning bike, having not won a race in the premier class since stepping up from Moto2 in 2024.

These frustrations left him considering his future, as Acosta tried to break his contract midway through 2025. Dorna’s intervention and KTM’s unwillingness to negotiate an exit clause fee kept the Spaniard in Austria for 2026.

VR46 were heavily interested in the 21-year-old, with Acosta having a close relationship with team owner and MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi.

Davide Tardozzi thinks Pedro Acosta is keeping KTM ‘in mind’ amid VR46 links

While a deal could not be agreed for 2026, Rossi’s interest in Acosta remains. He is eyeing a move for the Spaniard as he puts pressure on KTM to deliver a competitive bike.

VR46 do have a seat available in 2027, with Fabio Di Giannantonio and Franco Morbidelli being out on contract at the end of 2026. Acosta wants to ride a Ducati and is only focused on having the fastest bike on the grid.

When asked about the rumours, Ducati team manager Davide Tardozzi told MotoriOnline that the MotoGP rider market will take ‘more time’ to kick into gear, and that Acosta is keeping his current team ‘in mind’.

“Today, more than ever, everyone is talking to everyone,” he said. “Pedro (Acosta) has spoken to VR46, but I think it’s definitely with KTM in mind.

“I’ll reiterate, though, that this is a time when everyone is talking to everyone, so I wouldn’t give too much credence to some of the rumours. I think it’ll take a little more time to figure out who will go where.”

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

Could Pedro Acosta be bound for Ducati in 2027?

Uccio Salucci says VR46 will do everything to sign Acosta for 2027. The team are pushing to get his signature, but he could be set to move elsewhere within the Borgo Panigale setup.

It has been claimed that Acosta has already signed a Ducati contract for 2027. With Francesco Bagnaia facing pressure to keep his seat, the Spaniard may have already agreed to replace him.

A partnership with Marc Marquez would be a formidable one, with Acosta being one of MotoGP’s rising talents. Having the nine-time champion by his side could be the motivation he needs to become a race winner and a champion.

But that is not entirely set in stone. KTM have made an offer to Marquez, in what would be the perfect replacement for Acosta.