Marco Bezzecchi
Pedro Acosta is reportedly bound for the Ducati factory team in the latest major move of MotoGP’s off-season.
There were a number of bombshell developments on Thursday, starting with Fabio Quartararo’s move from Yamaha to Honda. Only hours later, it emerged that Aprilia’s Jorge Martin will replace Quartararo.
And then, to end a wild day in the rider market, Spanish outlet AS broke the story that Francesco Bagnaia’s Ducati seat ‘belongs’ to Pedro Acosta from next year.
Have Ducati made the right decision? 💣
Acosta has signed a two-year deal with the world champions to become Marc Marquez’s teammate. Honda were interested, but he made clear that his preference was Ducati.
Marc Marquez gave his approval for Ducati to sign Pedro Acosta
There had been growing rumours in recent weeks that Acosta would be riding a Ducati next year, but there was still some doubt as to the colour of his overalls.
Indeed, one recent report claimed Acosta may have to spend a year at VR46, Valentino Rossi’s satellite team, before graduating to the red bike.
Rossi unsuccessfully tried to extricate Acosta from his KTM contract last year but was still ‘dreaming’ of a deal for the 2027 season. This may have been predicated on concerns that a partnership with Marquez was not viable.
Would this line-up create too much conflict at Ducati?
Such is his status, Marquez had the chance to block Acosta’s arrival, but chose not to do so. He clearly believes he can work with the 21-year-old, widely viewed as his symbolic successor.
Thus, Marquez cleared the way for Ducati to sign Acosta immediately and inadvertently denied Rossi his top target.
KTM already know their replacement for Pedro Acosta
AS’ report adds that Acosta wants to test himself against the best, and Marquez is indisputably one of the all-time greats. He also believes he can fight for the title at Ducati, while KTM have yet to provide a race-winning bike.
KTM knew Acosta’s exit was coming and have already drawn up their succession plan. Maverick Vinales will be promoted from Tech3 after an impressive, if injury-disrupted, start on the RC16.
Brad Binder currently occupies the other seat, and Acosta’s departure may increase the likelihood that he stays with the Austrian manufacturer for another year.
When the Acosta move goes through, attention will turn to Bagnaia, who may be drawn to the Martin vacancy at Aprilia.
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