Talks between Pedro Acosta and Ducati have gained traction recently. The KTM standout is now being linked with the seat currently occupied by Francesco Bagnaia.
Marc Marquez has committed to staying with Ducati, but Bagnaia’s form in 2025 has raised questions, and his standing within the team seems less secure than before.
Davide Tardozzi has spoken highly of Acosta, calling him a future champion. And while several teams would be interested, Ducati are in a strong position to land him if they decide to move forward.
Reports suggest Acosta would be willing to take whatever deal Ducati can offer. With most of their budget likely tied up in Marquez’s new contract, it could come down to whether he’s ready for that kind of move this early in his career.
Jorge Lorenzo predicts Ducati and Acosta will align down the road
Jorge Lorenzo addressed the ongoing speculation during a spot on El Larguero. Acosta’s agent, Albert Valera, also managed Lorenzo during his time in MotoGP.
Lorenzo, now involved with KTM through his role as rider coach for Tech3’s Maverick Vinales, still has ties to the paddock.
Back in March last year, Acosta mentioned to AS that he wanted to try a Ducati to better understand where KTM stood. While he hasn’t secured a win in two full seasons, he has collected 10 podiums along the way.
Lorenzo suggested that a deal between Acosta, Valera and Ducati chief Luigi Dall’Igna might be just a matter of time.
“I was invited to a party that KTM people were having in Austria,” he said. “The truth is that he’s very hungry, and I think KTM are a bit of a dark horse.”
“He’s incredibly hungry for victory, and the bike isn’t bad at all. I did see Pedro’s statements that he doesn’t have much faith in KTM and that he’d prefer to be on a Ducati.”
“It’s been the most complete bike for the last five years, that’s undeniable. I think Pedro is very intelligent, his manager Albert Valera is very intelligent and Dall’Igna is very intelligent. Their paths could eventually cross.”
Could Pedro Acosta take a short-term deal with VR46 before making the move to Ducati?
Valera has strongly suggested that Acosta’s time with KTM is coming to an end, going as far as avoiding any direct mention of the team when discussing his plans for 2027.
There are even some early suggestions that a deal with Ducati is already in place, though nothing official has been confirmed.
A move to VR46 in 2025 has been heavily rumoured. Acosta could start out with a satellite team on a one-year contract, setting up a step up to the factory squad the following season.
Valera wants a full factory seat for Acosta straight away, but the rider himself has made it clear he’s focused solely on winning races. Even with upcoming regulation changes potentially shaking things up, Ducati have built a strong case over recent years as MotoGP’s top operation.
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