Marco Bezzecchi
Neil Hodgson thinks Pedro Acosta is already looking to use Marc Marquez’s arch-rival Valentino Rossi to play mind games ahead of their expected union at Ducati for 2027.
It is widely believed that Ducati have signed KTM ace Acosta to replace Francesco Bagnaia in their works line-up in 2027, in what will be an all-Spanish team next to Marquez. It will also mark the first time in MotoGP history that Ducati will not field an Italian in their works team.
Ducati’s move to sign Acosta for 2027 has not been a secret in the MotoGP paddock since the start of this year. But the Bologna Bullets have yet to confirm his move from KTM due to the delay in the factory MotoGP teams securing their new collective commercial agreement.
Does Marc Marquez already think Pedro Acosta will challenge him at Ducati in 2027? 👀
Pedro Acosta claiming to be a Valentino Rossi man may be a mind game with Marc Marquez
Marquez has all but confirmed that Acosta will join him at Ducati, however, after he claimed “thank goodness” the 22-year-old does not have a Desmosedici “at least not yet” after their Balaton Park Sprint battle. Marquez beat Acosta to win the Sprint and Grand Prix in Hungary.
READ MORE: Ranking Valentino Rossi’s top five MotoGP rivalries, including Marc Marquez
Hodgson is sure that Acosta’s recent comments have also been subtle notes to his switch to Ducati, with the Mazarron native citing Rossi as his hero despite previously claiming to have grown up idolising Marquez. Acosta has even named Kevin Schwantz as a hero of his before.
“The win for Marquez last weekend was more than just about points,” Hodgson told TNT Sports. “It’s about the presence he brings to the track. For almost all the riders alongside him, he will have been their hero – especially the younger ones.
“Pedro Acosta is a perfect example, even if he’s now claiming to be more of a Valentino Rossi man as their burgeoning rivalry has begun. I think the two of them will enjoy the tussle over the coming months before they team up next season.
“But for the competition, his return to form must live in their subconscious. Back from injury struggles and he cleans up once more. A typical Marquez weekend.
“He destroyed them, and it will be at the back of their mind that this could be another moment in his exceptional history.”
Acosta will know that he is set to face the toughest test of his entire career to date when he joins Marquez at Ducati in 2027. So, the Spaniard could think he needs to get any advantage he can get over his compatriot ahead of going up against the seven-time MotoGP champion.
Whether that means Acosta is leaning on Marquez’s fierce rivalry with Rossi as Hodgson has hinted remains to be seen. The 22-year-old’s comments in recent years have certainly left an image of his admiration of Marquez that looking to side with Rossi may go against, however.
Speaking back in 2021 at the early stage of his fantastic route to the Moto3 title as a rookie, Acosta stated: “My idols are Kevin Schwantz, but also Marquez.” Also, in April this year, 2023 Moto2 champion Acosta said it would be “a dream come true” to be Marquez’s teammate.
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