Marco Bezzecchi
Pedro Acosta’s manager, Albert Valera, was involved in two contractual disputes during the 2025 Formula 1 season.
Most notably, Valera tried to activate an exit clause in Jorge Martin’s Aprilia deal so that the 2024 world champion could join Honda. Aprilia argued that the clause was invalid and Dorna sided with them, effectively forcing Martin to stay.
But under the radar, Acosta tried to escape his KTM deal, having held talks with Ducati satellite squad VR46. Dorna’s stance on Martin – riders can’t break a contract without their team’s agreement – also applied to his compatriot.
Would this line-up create too much conflict at Ducati?
At the end of this year, though, Acosta’s contract expires, like the vast majority of the field. With 10 podium finishes in his first two seasons, he is one of the most coveted riders on the grid.
Pedro Acosta’s manager strongly hints that he’s about to leave KTM
Valera spoke to Motorsport Espana at the Aprilia launch, where he appeared alongside Martin.
Acosta continues to be linked with VR46 and Valera has confirmed that they are an ‘option’. However, his priority is to join a factory team.
Of course, the 21-year-old already represents an official team at KTM, but based on Valera’s comments, he won’t be there much longer. He didn’t so much as mention Acosta’s current employers.
Valera spoke as if it’s a formality that Acosta will leave, and that the only question is where he will go.
Is Pedro Acosta joining Ducati inevitable?
He said: “There are possibilities with the vast majority of teams. Is it a possibility? Yes, as I said, Ducati, along with Aprilia, has the best bike, so why not? It could be an option.
“Obviously, every rider aspires to go to the factory team, so that will be our first objective, but if that doesn’t happen, we always have to consider plan B or plan C. But I insist, our first objective is to fight to go to a factory team, whether it’s Ducati or another team.
Asked when a move might happen, Valera explained: “We can’t wait to test the 2027 bikes; it’s going to be a shot in the dark because new regulations are coming in and we’re starting from scratch. We have to take a chance and trust the people, the individuals who make up each team.
“That will be the key: for each rider to choose the human capital they want to work with in 2027 and 2028, the ones they believe will bring them a better bike and greater happiness.
“I would say that, unlike other years, it doesn’t make sense to wait and see what the bikes will be like. I think the market will move quickly, and the fate of many riders will be known in the first few races.”
VR46’s Uccio Salucci says he’s ‘in love’ with Pedro Acosta’s riding
VR46 are openly flirting with Acosta and can offer him the chance to work under one of MotoGP’s greatest-ever riders. But that might not compensate for the allure of a factory team.
Speaking earlier this week, via MOW, VR46 director Uccio Salucci said Acosta possessed a ‘rare’ talent.
“I’m in love with him and his riding,” said Salucci. “He’s someone who changes style four or five times during the race depending on what’s needed at that moment. Those riders are rare.
“Last year we spoke to him briefly because a small opportunity had arisen, but it was very difficult. And then there was Franco, who is one of our riders. Acosta and Aldeguer, two young riders, are fantastic.”
Valentino Rossi says he already knows his rider line-up for 2027 but can’t yet share it with his fans. Acosta could theoretically sign a factory Ducati deal and race for the satellite team, but that may still be seen as a disadvantage.
Aprilia CEO Massimo Rivola has predicted that Ducati will sign Acosta to replace Francesco Bagnaia, forming a ‘match made in heaven’ with Marc Marquez.
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