Pedro Acosta, the 20-year-old prodigy and KTM factory rider, is at the heart of speculation in the MotoGP rider market for 2026. According to Sky Italia, "Honda HRC and Ducati are giving the Spaniard heart-eyed glances," with particular interest from Ducati. "Ducati's desire for Acosta is strong, and the attention for his talent is just as strong," the outlet reports. However, several significant obstacles stand in the way of a possible transfer, including Acosta's contract with KTM until the end of 2026 and VR46's loyalty to Franco Morbidelli.
Peter Acosta continues to stir up the MotoGP transfer market. The young Spanish prodigy is the object of all desires — starting with Ducati. According to Sky Italia, the Borgo Panigale firm has "heart-shaped eyes" for Acosta, seduced by his speed, his maturity and his natural charisma.
But the red dream comes up against a very real wall: KTM keeps him under contract until the end of 2026. The Austrian brand, which has been struggling technically this season, has no intention of letting its jewel slip away. Not after having taken him from Moto3 to the top.
I wish the entire VR46 has however shown an interest in Acosta, with two informal conversations, one at the ranch of Valentino Rossi and the other with his manager, Albert Valera. The same Valera who manages a certain George Martin… However, these discussions are described as exploratory and have not led to in-depth negotiations.
The situation is all the more delicate as the pilot VR46 and graduated from the Tavullia Academy Franco Morbidelli, long in the shadows, returns to the top: two podiums, two P4 and a superb fourth place in the general classification, all this with a 2024 bike, while By Giannantonio benefits from the Desmosedici factory.
Uccio Salucci: “ with Pedro Acosta there is no more contact, we hope to be able to renew with Morbidelli »
Uccio Salucci, right arm of Valentino Rossi and team boss, made things clear: " we have had two informal conversations with Pedro Acosta. Nothing more, that's all. »
And to add: " we have Franco Morbidelli, a pilot we like very much. And with Pedro, there is no more contact. We hope to renew with Morbidelli, because Franco is fantastic »
In other words, no place is actually available at Ducati. The only potentially free handlebar, that of Morbidely, already seems locked by the results.
The technical appeal remains: rolling a Ducati factory, even via the team VR46, is a rare privilege. A tempting offer for Acosta, who struggles with the KTM but continues to impress. But barring a contractual reversal (or a Ducati takeover of the contract, highly unlikely in MotoGP culture), Pedro will remain orange until the end of 2026. And after that? If KTM does not pull itself together... the war for Acosta could well redraw the entire board MotoGP 2027
