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KTM boss Pit Beirer issues verdict on Honda amid Pedro Acosta links for 2027 season

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KTM are facing pressure to keep hold of their star rider, Pedro Acosta, as several teams eye his signature for the 2027 season.

Honda are among those interested in the Spaniard. The Japanese manufacturer have been keeping an eye on Acosta’s situation, especially after the events of 2025.

Acosta tried to break his KTM contract as he expressed frustrations over their desperate financial crisis, which had affected the performance of the RC16. Rival teams found out that Acosta could be bought out for a seven-figure fee.

Finish the sentence: In 2027, Pedro Acosta will ride for…

A graphic of Pedro Acosta talking about his MotoGP future in the 2027 season
Photo by Gold & Goose Photography/Getty Images

Honda had offered a contract to Acosta, reportedly valued at £13m-a-year, which would make him one of the highest-paid riders on the grid. However, Dorna did not want riders breaking contracts, and KTM were unwilling to negotiate a transfer fee, so no move was made.

But with the 21-year-old’s contract expiring in 2026, Acosta will be one of the biggest movers on the MotoGP rider market. Honda’s interest in the Spaniard remains as they look to bolster their squad in 2027.

KTM motorsport director Pit Beirer speaks to the media at the 2025 MotoGP German Grand Prix
Photo by Gold & Goose Photography/Getty Images

Honda have been making strong progress in MotoGP, scoring 285 points in 2025 and finishing 87 points behind KTM. This is a dramatic improvement from 2024, when the Japanese outfit managed just 75 points across the season.

Achieving the C ranking in the concession system for 2026, Honda are making the steps to become a frontrunner again in MotoGP. Meanwhile, KTM are struggling to give their star talent the bike he needs to win races.

Acosta’s manager has strongly hinted that he will leave KTM at the end of 2026, with Honda being a strong option for the Spaniard. But amid the links, Pit Beirer claims that they have not ‘overtaken’ the Austrians despite their progress.

“People are surprised that Honda is catching up,” he told Speedweek. “Of course they are catching up, because they are constantly introducing new measures and have twice the budget.

“It makes me all the more proud of what our people are achieving. Honda has closed the gap, but it has by no means overtaken us.”

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

Pedro Acosta of KTM smiles in the garage
Photo by Gold & Goose Photography/Getty Images

Will Pedro Acosta join Honda in 2027 or is he looking elsewhere?

Honda and Yamaha are ‘ahead’ with 2027 negotiations, which is something that Acosta will need to be wary of. If he is keen on moving to the Japanese giants, he will have to make a decision fast.

That is what he intends to do, with the 21-year-old wanting to finalise his future before the start of the season. KTM have limited time to prove that their project is a winning one, while Honda are preparing a giant offer for Acosta.

Is Pedro Acosta joining Ducati inevitable?

Photo by Gold & Goose Photography/Getty Images

But the team are not alone. VR46 have been heavily linked with Acosta since he tried to leave his contract in 2025, with Valentino Rossi being a huge admirer of the Spaniard.

It has been reported that Acosta has already signed his 2027 contract, but which team he has signed with remains a complete guess at this point.