Marco Bezzecchi
Pedro Acosta’s links to Ducati have intensified in recent weeks. The KTM sensation is a contender for the seat currently held by Francesco Bagnaia.
Marc Marquez has agreed to stay at Ducati, but Bagnaia is vulnerable after a perplexing 2025 drop-off that appeared to damage his relationship with the team.
Davide Tardozzi says Acosta is a future champion, and while Ducati would face competition to sign him, they currently offer the most attractive package.
Is there a better rider for Ducati to sign?
It has been reported that Acosta would accept any offer from Ducati, with Marquez’s extension likely to swallow most of their budget.
Jorge Lorenzo suspects Ducati and Pedro Acosta will ‘cross paths’
MotoGP legend Jorge Lorenzo was asked about the rumours during an appearance on El Larguero. Acosta is represented by Albert Valera, who managed Lorenzo during his MotoGP career.
The three-time premier-class champion is indirectly part of the KTM setup after becoming a rider coach for Tech3’s Maverick Vinales.
Speaking to AS in March last year, Acosta said he would like to ‘try’ a Ducati, albeit to give him a frame of reference at KTM. The Spaniard hasn’t won a MotoGP race after two full seasons, but has scored 10 podiums.
Who would win as teammates, Francesco Bagnaia or Pedro Acosta?
Lorenzo hinted that Acosta, Valera and Ducati boss Luigi Dall’Igna will get a deal done ‘eventually’.
“I was invited to a party that KTM people were having in Austria,” he said. “The truth is that he’s very hungry, and I think KTM are a bit of a dark horse.
“He’s incredibly hungry for victory, and the bike isn’t bad at all. I did see Pedro’s statements that he doesn’t have much faith in KTM and that he’d prefer to be on a Ducati.
“It’s been the most complete bike for the last five years, that’s undeniable. I think Pedro is very intelligent, his manager, Albert Valera, is very intelligent, and Dall’Igna is very intelligent. Their paths could eventually cross.”
Will Pedro Acosta sign a one-year deal at VR46 before joining Ducati?
Valera has heavily hinted that Acosta will leave KTM. He didn’t even mention them by name when discussing the rider’s options for 2027.
There have even been some whispers that Acosta has already signed for Ducati, though this may be premature.
Heavily linked with VR46 in 2025, Acosta could join a Ducati satellite team initially. It would be a one-year deal with a view to a promotion in 2028.
Valera is prioritising a factory ride, but his rider has repeatedly stated that winning is his only concern. The regulation changes could threaten Ducati’s dominance, but they have proven in recent years that they are MotoGP’s standout operation.
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