Marco Bezzecchi
Tension between Marc Marquez and Pedro Acosta has been building in MotoGP as they are set to become teammates at Ducati next year, but the former wants to set the record straight.
Rumours are suggesting that Acosta will sign with the Bologna Bullets from KTM in 2027, partnering with Marquez, who is said to have signed a new contract with Ducati.
This creates an interesting and perhaps troublesome line-up, given that Acosta has been tipped to be Marquez’s successor in MotoGP. Neil Hodgson says Marquez should seek an exit clause in his new contract because of the Spaniard’s arrival.
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Acosta told reporters in Thailand that 'it wasn't a one-day [championship] lead like Marc said'.
Acosta wants to beat the nine-time champion on equal machinery and win the MotoGP title. With that, there is bound to be drama, and fans caught a glimpse of that in Buriram when Marquez was penalised for a late lunge on the KTM rider in the Sprint race.
Ducati were privately happy about Acosta’s performance as he claimed the win in the Sprint and finished second on Sunday. They will be excited about their new rider pairing in 2027, but it could cause them problems.
Marc Marquez wants to ‘draw boundaries’, not ‘destroy’ Pedro Acosta at Ducati
A report from MOW details the potential drama between the 2027 teammates. It was heightened by Marquez’s recent dig at Acosta about winning the title in his rookie season, amid comparisons between the two riders.
It could be seen as the first example of ‘psychological war’ between the two Spaniards. Honda boss Alberto Puig says Acosta is making a ‘brave’ move joining Ducati next to Marquez, given that the 33-year-old will not simply let him beat him.
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However, as the report notes, Marquez does not want to ‘destroy’ Acosta, but merely ‘draw boundaries’ and put him in his place. He will be keen to remain the top rider at Ducati and ensure that his new teammate stays behind him.
Acosta hated being called ‘the next Marquez’ during his junior career, and he will not like those comparing him to the Ant of Cervera now. The 21-year-old wants to make a name for himself in MotoGP.
But to do that, he will have to get the better of one of the all-time greats, and as Marquez has proven, on the track and psychologically, that is almost impossible.
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