Marco Bezzecchi
Ducati have been told that their announcement of Pedro Acosta’s move would have been ‘unthinkable’ in the past.
Although the 2026 MotoGP season is yet to reach its halfway mark, teams have already been announcing rider changes ahead of 2027.
On Tuesday, Ducati confirmed Marc Marquez as their rider for both the 2027 and 2028 seasons.
A day later, it was announced that Francesco Bagnaia will leave Ducati at the end of the 2026 campaign, with Pedro Acosta leaving KTM for Ducati to become Marquez’s teammate.
The 22-year-old Spaniard is set to ride for Ducati for the 2027 and 2028 seasons at the very least. Acosta was linked with Honda prior to committing his future to the Borgo Panigale outfit.
Where does Marc Marquez/Pedro Acosta rank among the all-time great MotoGP line-ups?
Ricard Jove says ‘times have changed’ after Pedro Acosta’s Ducati move
Reacting to the announcement of the Acosta transfer from KTM to Ducati, former MotoGP team boss Ricard Jove claimed that ‘times have changed’.
The Spaniard stated that a few years ago, the announcement of a rider switching manufacturers would have been ‘unthinkable’.
Jove wrote on X: “Well, there you have it! Pedro Acosta’s move has now been officially confirmed.
“A few years ago, this would have been unthinkable—making an official announcement about a signing that involves switching manufacturers before the halfway point of the season. Times have changed!”
What is your one bold prediction for the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix at Assen?
Is it a surprise winner? A shock podium? Or a horrendous result?
READ MORE: Pedro Acosta was ready to sign for Honda over Ducati on one condition
In an official statement, Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali labelled Acosta as ‘undoubtedly’ one of the most talented young riders in MotoGP.
He also stated that Ducati had been following the 22-year-old ‘for some time’ while complimenting his ‘easy-going’ personality.
Meanwhile, Ducati general manager Luigi Dall’Igna was quick to echo Domenicali’s words, labelling Acosta as the ‘ideal candidate’ for the team.
The Italian is adamant that Acosta will play a key role in the growth of the team and help them reach future goals.
With Acosta and Marquez confirmed for Ducati, it was announced on Thursday that Bagnaia had signed for Aprilia, likely as a replacement for Jorge Martin, who is set to join Yamaha in 2027.
The 29-year-old, who won back-to-back MotoGP world titles in 2022 and 2023 while riding for Ducati, will represent Aprilia until the end of the 2030 season.
Amid all the rider movement announcements, the 2026 MotoGP season will resume this weekend in the Netherlands, taking place around the TT Circuit Assen.
Receive racing news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
