KTM motorsport director Pit Beirer has acknowledged that the team has not yet accomplished enough to finalize an agreement with Pedro Acosta for the 2027 MotoGP season, though he remains optimistic about their chances. The 21-year-old rider’s contract with KTM is set to expire after the upcoming year, and uncertainty about his future has become a dominant topic within the MotoGP paddock.
Acosta endured a challenging 2025 season, requiring several months before establishing himself as a consistent podium finisher. This performance dip has fueled speculation that his time with KTM might be limited, especially amid reports linking him to Ducati’s factory team, where he may partner with Marc Marquez starting in 2027.
Following KTM’s 2026 launch event, Acosta chose not to comment on his plans moving forward, further intensifying discussions about his next steps.
KTM Seeks Positive Results at Sepang to Strengthen Negotiation Position
When questioned about the status of contract talks with Acosta, Pit Beirer openly conceded that KTM has not yet done enough to secure the rider’s commitment. Nevertheless, he expressed confidence that the improvements made to the KTM RC16 motorcycle during the winter preparation period would be crucial in negotiations. The upcoming Sepang test is viewed as a vital opportunity to demonstrate progress and provide Acosta with the assurances he seeks.
“We haven’t done enough yet, because we need to prove first,”
Beirer said.
He continued by highlighting that Acosta himself has been transparent about expecting additional advancements from KTM before agreeing to a new contract. Beirer remarked,
“Somehow, I think the end of the year gave him confidence. But he made no secret that he expects still another step on the bike, that we are in a position to offer him a contract for the future.”
Beirer outlined a clear strategy for KTM’s approach to the upcoming season and the Sepang test, emphasizing that the outcomes of these efforts would shape future discussions with Acosta and other riders.
“We made a very clear plan on how we’re going to face the season and how we’re going to face the Sepang test, especially,”
he explained.
“So, I’m quite certain the Sepang test will be important for us to show not just Pedro but all our riders what we’ve delivered over the winter.”
He added,
“I’m confident we will deliver, we will have a good Sepang test, and from that atmosphere, we’re going to talk with our riders about the future. I don’t want to talk to them right now when they all expect a step for us.”
Beirer stressed that showing competitive lap times alone is not sufficient; the riders’ subjective feeling on the bike and resolution of previous issues are equally important.
“The feeling for the rider is important; it’s not just the lap time, it’s how they feel when they jump on the bike, if some problems we wanted to fix are solved,”
he said.
“That’s why I feel we have a chance to talk to Pedro about the future.”
Anticipation Builds Around Acosta’s Decision and Season Outlook
As KTM prepares to reveal its 2026 MotoGP machine and enters a critical testing phase at Sepang, the spotlight remains firmly on Pedro Acosta’s contract situation. The results from winter testing could address the rider’s demands for bike improvements and influence his final decision on whether to stay with KTM or explore offers like those reportedly presented by Ducati.
This period carries significant weight not only for Acosta’s career but also for KTM’s competitive prospects in the upcoming seasons. A successful negotiation would enable KTM to retain a young talent poised for podium finishes, while Acosta’s choice may shift the balance among factory teams.
With KTM’s leadership emphasizing preparation and confidence in their testing program, the next few months will be pivotal in defining the future trajectory for both the team and Pedro Acosta.
