KTM’s intense focus on Pedro Acosta as their lead rider has sparked frustration within the team as the Austrian manufacturer continues to prioritize him despite ongoing bike issues. This development comes as KTM prepares for the 2026 MotoGP season, raising questions about balance and fairness among the other riders in the team. The spotlight on Acosta highlights his growing importance to KTM, even as rumors swirl about his potential move to Ducati in 2027.
Acosta’s notable performances over recent years, despite riding less-than-ideal KTM machinery, have established him as the brand’s primary contender heading into the new season. However, tensions have mounted after Acosta publicly expressed dissatisfaction with KTM’s prototypes for months. His possible exit to VR46 Ducati was reportedly halted last season by the sport’s governing body to limit premature contract breaks, further complicating the situation within KTM’s factory team.
Bastianini Voices Concern Over KTM’s Singular Focus on Acosta
On the eve of the 2026 Thailand Grand Prix, Tech3 rider Enea Bastianini openly addressed KTM’s concentrated efforts on Pedro Acosta, suggesting that other riders are being overlooked. Speaking to journalists, Bastianini acknowledged the practical reasons behind KTM’s strategy but emphasized the diverse needs of each rider.
“It’s much easier to focus on the fastest rider,”
Bastianini said, via Speedweek. “Right now, Pedro is the fastest, and KTM is working very hard for him.
From the manufacturer’s point of view, that’s the right thing to do. But we are four different riders, and each of us has a different riding style; everyone needs something different.”
Highlighting his own challenges with the 2026 KTM RC16, Bastianini described specific handling issues affecting his performance.
“My bike is unstable on the straights. The front wheel floats a bit and lifts up, and it’s very nervous when I touch the curb. But I think we’ve been able to improve this somewhat, because it’s not normal. It happened much less often last year. We need to find a solution for this, because it’s critical.”
Bastianini’s remarks underscore the difficulties faced by riders other than Acosta, who also require tailored support to optimize their performance, yet feel sidelined due to KTM’s singular focus.
Pedro Acosta’s Optimism and KTM’s Efforts to Address Technical Issues
Despite the criticism from teammates, Pedro Acosta remains upbeat about his prospects for the upcoming season. Following the final pre-season test in Buriram, Acosta suggested that KTM has made progress addressing problems he encountered during the tests in Sepang.
This cautious optimism, however, contrasts with the frustrations communicated by other riders who feel they receive less attention and resources from KTM engineers, highlighting a fractious dynamic within the team as they approach the competitive season.
Maverick Vinales Seen as a Strong Challenger Within KTM’s Ranks
Acosta’s favored status has not only caused unrest among his fellow riders but has also fueled competition from Maverick Vinales, another factory-supported KTM rider. Jorge Lorenzo, a veteran racer and adviser, observed a heightened tension between Acosta and Vinales during the pre-season tests in Sepang, indicating a brewing rivalry within the team.
Reports suggest that KTM staff believe Vinales has the capability to outperform Acosta when riding on equal machinery during the 2026 season. Furthermore, Lorenzo reportedly placed a bet with Acosta’s manager regarding which rider will finish higher in the standings, adding another layer of intrigue to the unfolding narrative.
Vinales is widely expected to succeed Acosta in the KTM seat following Acosta’s anticipated move to Ducati’s Borgo Panigale factory, signaling a potentially pivotal shift in KTM’s future rider lineup and the broader MotoGP competition landscape.
Implications for KTM and the MotoGP Season Ahead
The ongoing emphasis on Pedro Acosta at KTM reveals deeper challenges within the team’s structure, as balancing the needs of multiple riders remains a complex task amid intense competition and technical hurdles. Bastianini’s pointed comments bring attention to the broader issue of how manufacturers allocate resources and support across their rosters, raising concerns over whether KTM can foster a cohesive and competitive team environment.
As the 2026 MotoGP season unfolds, the rivalry between Acosta and Vinales will be closely watched, especially given the managerial bets and KTM’s internal dynamics. This situation may influence KTM’s strategy not only this season but also inform rider decisions and manufacturer alignments in the years to come, particularly with Acosta’s potential departure.
