The future of Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) is shaping up to be the grand soap opera of a MotoGP transfer market that promised to be a quiet one. At 20 years old, the Murcian prodigy, tied to KTM until 2026, sees his situation worsen: poor results, a stagnant RC16, and an Austrian brand more focused on its financial survival (debt of 2,2 billion euros) than on the track. After two Grands Prix in Thailand and Argentina, rumors are flying: Acosta could slam the door as early as the end of 2025, heading to Ducati VR46... or Honda!
As the 2025 season gets into full swing, the situation of Peter Acosta in KTM is becoming increasingly tense. Between disappointing results, rumors of departures and tempting offers, Acosta could well be at the heart of a battle between the biggest teams in the paddock. And Ducati, Honda, and even Valentino Rossi seem ready to fight for his services.
Peter Acosta, the pilot from Murcia, is linked to KTM until 2026. But behind the scenes, the relationship seems to be cracking. The results are not there, and hopes of rapid improvement are dwindling. Pedro Acosta's situation at KTM is looking bad ", reveal sources close to the paddock. " Even though outwardly they try to keep up appearances, behind closed doors, it is clear that something has broken in Mattighofen »
Acosta, known for his raw talent and ambition, does not seem ready to wait indefinitely for KTM is back on the road to competitiveness. A performance clause in his contract could allow him to leave as soon as the end of the 2025 season, and all roads seem to lead to a single destination: Ducati.
Valentino Rossi, the legendary Italian driver turned team boss, has reportedly already set his sights on Acosta. According to persistent rumors, VR46 would be ready to welcome the young Spaniard from 2026, replacing Franco Morbidelli, whose contract is coming to an end. Valentino Rossi likes Acosta, and he has already told him so ", revealed journalist Mela Chércoles during a recent podcast. They were together at the ranch. If the KTM doesn't work, Acosta would love to ride a Ducati, because he feels like he is wasting his time »
Ducati or Honda, Pedro Acosta's difficult choice
To Acosta, join VR46 would be an opportunity to get on a Ducati, even if it is with the brand's least modern equipment. An option that seems to appeal to the rider, who has already expressed his admiration for Rossi and his team. KTM is in his heart, but he desperately needs a good motorcycle ", added Chércoles, who concluded: " The possibility of Acosta leaving KTM is being considered. He wants KTM to succeed, but if it doesn't, he'll ride a Ducati, even for free. ».
More Ducati is not the only option on the table for Acosta. Honda, in full reconstruction after difficult years, would also have views on the young Spaniard. Alberto puig, the team manager of Honda, has never hidden his admiration for Acosta. And with two vacancies for 2026 (one in the factory team and one at LCR), Honda could offer Acosta an official pilot role from 2026, putting big on the table.
« Honda wants Pedro Acosta, and has a proposal to make him an official driver from 2026 ", confirmed Chércoles. " It is Marini who should take his place at Acosta, although he seems to be the second option on the Murcian's list, behind VR46. » An option that could appeal Acosta, especially when Honda continues its rise in 2025.
Finally, there is Yamaha . With a free place at Pramac Racing replacing Jack Miller, the Japanese brand could theoretically enter the race for Acosta. However, this option seems unlikely, given the current difficulties of Yamaha in MotoGP. For Acosta, the objective is clear: to get on a competitive motorcycle, and Yamaha does not yet seem able to offer him this.
Peter Acosta is therefore at a crucial crossroads in his career. On the one hand, there is VR46 et Ducati, with the aura of Valentino Rossi and a competitive motorcycle. On the other, Honda, which promises an official pilot role and a motorcycle in full reconstruction. For Acosta, the decision will be strategic: choosing between the team of his dreams and an opportunity to become the star driver of a big brand.
The TV series Acosta will continue to shake up the paddock in the coming months. And whatever his choice, he could well redefine the balance of power in MotoGP for the coming years.
