Pedro Acosta, currently signed with KTM, chose not to comment on rumors about his potential switch to Ducati during KTM’s 2026 MotoGP launch. The 21-year-old rider’s contract is nearing its end, placing him at the center of speculation for the 2027 season rider market.
Having spent his entire racing career with KTM, including Moto2 and Moto3 world championships, Acosta faces uncertainty as KTM struggles to keep pace with competitors, impacting his ability to secure early wins during his MotoGP tenure.
Mounting Talks of Acosta Joining Ducati’s Factory Team in 2027
Throughout the off-season, persistent reports have suggested that Acosta will join Ducati’s factory squad alongside reigning world champion Marc Marquez starting in 2027. These rumors have grown stronger following news that Ducati extended Marquez’s contract for two more years.
When asked by Crash.net at KTM’s online press event about his contract status and aspirations for a 2027 deal, Acosta avoided addressing the speculation. Instead, he focused on the present season without confirming any ongoing negotiations with KTM.
“Well, at the moment, I have enough problems to see what is going on in Malaysia [in pre-season testing],”
said Acosta.
“We are in ’26. I want to make good results, like we were doing at the end of ’25.
“And also, I think today is not the day to talk about that.
“We are in the KTM presentation today.
“Let’s try to be focused on ’26 and then ’27 will be a question mark for everyone.”
Meanwhile, Spanish outlets have circulated reports that Maverick Vinales might be considered for KTM’s factory team in 2027, moving up from Tech3. Acosta ended last season as KTM’s highest-ranked rider, improving significantly in the latter half to finish fourth overall.
KTM completed the season third in the manufacturers’ standings, trailing Aprilia and Ducati, which dominated as the top team.
What This Means for Acosta’s Career and the MotoGP Landscape
Acosta’s cautious response highlights the tension surrounding his future amid ongoing performance challenges and the competitive dynamics of the MotoGP grid. Should the rumors of a Ducati move materialize, it would mark a significant shift for both him and the Austrian manufacturer.
As the 2026 season unfolds, attention will remain on Acosta’s results and any contract developments, with the next season’s grid reshaping based on these key decisions.
