Pedro Acosta isn’t interested in ‘the biggest pay packet in MotoGP’ as he decides his KTM future

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Pedro Acosta will be one of the first riders to move on the MotoGP rider market in 2026 as he considers his future at KTM.

The Spaniard is growing impatient with the Austrian manufacturer amid their desperate financial crisis and their lack of performance on the track. Acosta grabbed 12 podiums across all races in 2025 and finished fourth in the championship, but this is not good enough in his eyes.

KTM do not have the package or the resources to improve said package to give their star rider the tools to fight for the MotoGP title. The 2026 season is crucial for the team as they desperately want to retain Acosta heading into the new regulations.

However, their financial woes have sparked doubts as to whether KTM will even be on the grid in 2027. Acosta wants to win the championship, and he has one thing clear about his future decision.

Pedro Acosta is not motivated by money as he decides his future in MotoGP

Speaking via the Crash MotoGP YouTube channel, journalist Peter McLaren says people around Acosta have given the impression that he does not want the biggest paycheck in MotoGP. He is simply after the fastest bike.

“I think you do get the impression and what you hear from the people around him is that he’s not money motivated, let’s say,” he said.

“He’s not going to be interested in: ‘Do I have the biggest pay packet in MotoGP?’ He wants to fight for the championship.

“The frustration that we saw at the start of the year and everything else, I think that illustrates that. So I do think you’re right there, Jordan, that he will be looking first and foremost: ‘What’s the most competitive package I can get?’

“As we’ve said though, it’s a huge gamble in trying to decide that or trying to pick it with so many unknowns in place.”

READ MORE: KTM have ‘not stopped’ sending messages to Pedro Acosta as they try to keep him beyond 2026

What are Pedro Acosta’s options for 2027?

Acosta made his intentions clear about leaving KTM earlier in 2025, as he tried to break his contract amid interest from Valentino Rossi’s VR46 team. Dorna blocked him from leaving the Austrian outfit, but he seems set on moving elsewhere for 2027.

VR46 remain interested in the Spaniard and have said that they will do everything to sign him. Acosta would like to ride a Ducati, but the factory team could also come calling.

Francesco Bagnaia is under pressure to keep his seat in 2027, and Acosta is considered a top target to replace him. Marc Marquez’s wage demands may prevent his signing, however, as Ducati will prioritise his new contract over anything else.

Honda are also an option for Acosta, with the Japanese giants building an exciting project. Of course, KTM could convince their star talent to stay, but that would solely depend on them giving him a winning bike.