The 2027 MotoGP rider market is already heating up, and Pedro Acosta will be one of its epicenters. His manager, the formidable Albert Valera, has confirmed that joining the VR46 Ducati team could be an option, while reiterating that his number one goal remains a factory ride.
After a difficult second season at KTM, Acosta finds himself at a pivotal moment in his young career, as his contract expires at the end of 2026. This is nothing new. At the beginning of 2025, Pedro Acosta had already been seriously considered to join VR46 in 2026, just like the official team Honda.
At the time, both parties confirmed the existence of discussions, the stable of Valentino Rossi then having, and still having, a Ducati factory.
Since then, the rumors have never truly disappeared. During the winter break, some even went so far as to claim thatAcosta had already signed for 2027, with many imagining an agreement with the official team Ducati.
Present at the launch of Aprilia 2026 as Jorge Martin's manager, Albert Valera wanted to clarify the situation with Motorsport.com Spain. There are possibilities with the vast majority of teams. Is it possible? Yes. Ducati, just like Aprilia, has the best motorcycles, so why not? »
Speaking on VR46The speech is intentionally open: That could be an option. Of course, every driver aspires to join the factory team. This will therefore be our first objective.But if that doesn't happen, we must always consider a plan B or a plan C »
A clear message: VR46 is not a default choice, but *a credible alternative if the factory closes.
« Our first objective is to fight for join a factory teamwhether it's Ducati or another team »
Acosta and Martin: two burning issues for Valera
Valera also manages George Martin, he too is out of contract at the end of 2026. Two major drivers, two weighty issues, and a market that could become clear very soon.
The big unknown remains the 2027 regulations, which would completely reshuffle the technical landscape. We are looking forward to testing the 2027 motorcycles. It will be a risky betbecause new regulations are coming into effect and we're starting from scratch. »
In this unprecedented context, Valera believes it would be counterproductive to wait and see which motorcycle will be the best.
« We need to take a risk and trust peopleto the individuals who make up each team"And that's a major paradigm shift."
« The key will be to to allow each pilot to choose the collaborators they wish to work with in 2027 and 2028Those who, according to him, will bring him a better motorcycle and more great happiness. »
« Unlike other years, It is not wise to wait to see what the motorcycles will look like »
Last but not least: timing. According to ValeraThe market could freeze very early, from the very first races.
« I think the market will evolve rapidly, and The fate of many drivers will be known from the very first races »
Peter Acosta wants a factory team. That's clear, deliberate, and a priority. But VR46 Ducati remains a serious option, with a factory bike, a stable environment, and the aura of Valentino Rossi.
If the factory gate closes, the Ranch gate might just open. And in a MotoGP With 2027 still completely uncertain, the choice of men could matter more than that of machines.
