Pedro Acosta has conceded that the frustration accumulated during his tenure at KTM would have compromised his competitiveness had he transitioned to a Ducati machine for the 2026 MotoGP season. While an earlier switch had been explored, the Spaniard will instead step into the factory Ducati garage in 2027 alongside Marc Marquez, arriving at a stage where he considers himself fully prepared for the premier-class challenge.
VR46 Discussions and Contract Commitment
The prospect of an earlier departure gained traction amid discussions with VR46 throughout a demanding 2025 campaign, but Acosta chose to remain and fulfill the final year of his existing KTM contract. In an interview with AS, reported by Crash.net, the young rider reflected on the risks of accelerating his manufacturer change under negative momentum. “Maybe I would have gotten on the bike, but with all the frustration I was carrying, I wouldn’t have done well,” Acosta explained.
Related posts
Turnaround and Maiden MotoGP Victory
Acosta emphasized that the opening to join Ducati’s works squad arose precisely when his mindset and development aligned, having successfully worked through that arduous period. A sequence of stronger performances, improving race results, and the growing advantage he established over his KTM stablemates convinced him that he was equipped for top-tier factory machinery. That upward trajectory delivered his breakthrough maiden MotoGP victory in Austria during the 2026 campaign, prompting Crash.net to identify him as a genuine 2027 title contender and potentially the most formidable teammate Marquez has ever encountered.
Adapting to Ducati and Teaming with Marquez
Looking ahead to his two-year stint with the Italian manufacturer, Acosta views the partnership as an invaluable opportunity to absorb knowledge from the seven-time world champion before Marquez ultimately retires from racing. He regards the upcoming seasons as one of the last chances for an emerging talent to share a garage with the veteran champion. However, Acosta noted that his initial objective will focus entirely on understanding how Ducati operates. After spending six years embedded within KTM, he is deeply familiar with the Austrian setup but will face an unfamiliar working environment, making gradual adaptation his first priority before seeking to learn from Marquez.
Sources: Pedro Acosta admite que não renderia na Ducati em 2026.
