What if Pedro Acosta's best decision had been to turn down a Ducati? As the Spaniard prepares to join the official Borgo Panigale team in 2027, alongside Marc Marquez, he reflects on an opportunity he could have seized a year earlier: leaving KTM to join VR46. An enticing prospect on paper, but one that would have come at the wrong time in his career. Because Acosta now admits that his frustration could have jeopardized this new adventure.
A Ducati in 2026? Acosta wasn't thinking about that.
In an interview with AS, Pedro Acosta explains why he didn't anticipate his departure from KTM . The Spanish rider could have joined VR46 and experienced the Ducati world this season.
But he ultimately chose to honor the final year of his contract with the Austrian manufacturer. A decision that wasn't solely based on contractual considerations.
“ Maybe I would have gotten on the bike, but with all the frustration I was carrying , I wouldn’t have done well .” Acosta doesn’t question the Ducati ’s qualities . Rather, he acknowledges that his own mindset could have been an obstacle.
In other words, having a better technical opportunity is not necessarily enough to produce better results.
KTM: A difficult season that changed Acosta's approach
The context explains this caution. After a difficult 2025 season, Acosta had accumulated frustrations on his KTM . The difficulties he encountered had weighed on his ambitions. But this period also allowed him to better understand what he needed to progress.
Rather than immediately looking for a way out, he chose to continue his work. " This opportunity came when I was ready , especially after going through that difficult period last year when I felt frustrated ."
This is a way of acknowledging that a transfer can be beneficial from a sporting perspective while being premature on a personal level.
Make the difference before switching manufacturers
Acosta identifies the real turning point as his ability to regain results and distinguish himself from other KTM riders . " I started getting results, performing well, and making a difference compared to other riders on my own brand ."
It was at that moment, he explains, that he felt capable of accepting such a significant challenge. The future Ducati rider doesn't present his move as a miracle solution to his difficulties. He wants to join the Italian manufacturer after regaining his bearings, his confidence, and his ability to fully exploit a machine.
Acosta was no longer simply looking to leave KTM . He wanted to be ready to succeed at Ducati.
Marc Marquez: the challenge begins even before the first start
In 2027, Acosta will face a far more demanding situation than a simple change of manufacturer. He will share the official Ducati garage with Marc Marquez , a teammate from whom he has already expressed his intention to learn, but whom he also aspires to beat.
The pressure will be considerable. And that's precisely what gives meaning to his statements. Would an Acosta still trapped by his frustrations have approached this confrontation with the same weapons?
The Spaniard seems convinced of the opposite. He prefers to arrive a year later, but with the certainty of having taken a step forward in his development.
So, what do we remember?
- VR46: Acosta could have joined Ducati as early as 2026, but felt that his mindset was not right for it.
- KTM: its difficulties allowed it to measure the importance of trust and results.
- Ducati 2027: he wants to join Marquez by being ready to take on the challenge, and not to escape his frustrations.
Pedro Acosta could have gained a year on his arrival at Ducati . He preferred to take the time to rebuild at KTM . It remains to be seen whether this patience will allow him to achieve what so many MotoGP riders aspire to but never manage: to join Marc Marquez in his own garage and challenge him.
