Pedro Acosta has been strongly linked to a factory Ducati seat for the 2027 MotoGP season, and Dani Pedrosa may have just dropped the biggest hint yet that the deal is already done.
The current season hasn’t even kicked off yet, but there’s already plenty of movement in the MotoGP rider market ahead of 2027.
Fabio Quartararo and Jorge Martin are both believed to be on their way out of Yamaha and Aprilia, respectively, with reports suggesting Pedro Acosta is set to follow them.
The Spaniard has made no secret of his frustration with KTM’s machinery, and he’s already bracing for another tough year after seeing how quick the Ducatis looked during pre-season testing at Sepang.
Dani Pedrosa suggests Ducati may have already won the 2027 rider market
Acosta was said to have signed with Ducati in January, even before pre-season testing got underway.
The KTM rider has been on Borgo Panigale’s radar for a while now, with many viewing him as one of the most promising young talents in the paddock.
During a recent appearance on DAZN, KTM test rider Dani Pedrosa may have dropped the biggest clue yet that Acosta will be in red next season. In his assessment of how quickly moves are being made for 2027, Pedrosa noted: “It’s the fastest market in recent memory; almost the entire grid will be set before the first day of testing.”
He then added: “Not everyone is confirmed, but Ducati have made a good move.”
What makes Pedrosa’s comment stand out is that there haven’t been any other major moves linked to Ducati besides the talk around Acosta.
Pedro Acosta expected to take Francesco Bagnaia’s Ducati seat next season
With Acosta tipped to join Ducati as one of their factory riders, questions are already being asked about what that means for Francesco Bagnaia.
The team appears to be prioritising a new deal for the 2025 title-winner, Marc Marquez, over Bagnaia. That decision could pave the way for Acosta’s arrival.
Bagnaia has been linked with several teams across the grid, but Aprilia is currently viewed as his most likely destination. He’ll be looking to rebuild confidence after a tough 2025 campaign.
Despite two world championships with Ducati, it looks like time wasn’t on his side. If he does leave, it will mark the end of an era for the team’s most successful rider so far.
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