Pedro Acosta weighs up his future with KTM as Ducati and Honda circle

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KTM’s top performer in 2025 insists he has already repaid the team as rivals prepare moves for 2027.

Pedro Acosta ended the 2025 MotoGP season as KTM’s standout rider, yet the Spaniard was far from satisfied with how the year unfolded. Despite stepping up to the factory squad and finishing fourth in the championship with 307 points, he struggled to hide his frustration as development stalled around him.

The 21-year-old felt the impact of KTM’s financial limitations, which left the RC16 short on competitiveness for much of the season. It took until round 12 for Acosta to reach the podium, and although he collected a steady haul of Sprint and Grand Prix top-three finishes, he ended the year without a single victory — something he watched two fellow Spaniards achieve for the first time.

Acosta says he has already “paid back” KTM’s investment

Acosta described 2025 as “a wasted year”, pointing to gains in consistency and race management that rarely translated into genuine chances to win. With Ducati and Honda already monitoring his situation, the former Moto3 and Moto2 champion has instructed his manager to explore options outside KTM for the future.

Speaking to GPOne, Acosta was adamant he does not owe KTM loyalty simply because they backed him early in his career. “They invested a lot in me, but I think I’ve already repaid their bet,” he said. “Now it’s in their hands to bring better tools. That’s the only thing I ask. I need better tools to win.”

Ducati and Honda ready to fight for Acosta ahead of 2027

Acosta’s current contract runs out at the end of 2026, making him one of the most sought-after riders heading into the next big MotoGP reshuffle. Ducati are believed to view him as a prime candidate should they part ways with Francesco Bagnaia, while Honda are also preparing an approach for 2027.

The situation has intensified following reports that Bajaj will put KTM up for sale for £88 million, and that Red Bull could shift its support toward a Ducati project featuring Marc Márquez and Acosta. Meanwhile, the rider has laid out his expectations clearly: KTM must find three to four tenths per lap before next season if they hope to convince him to stay.

KTM have already begun working on major upgrades, including an aggressive new fairing developed with Red Bull Racing and tested by Acosta, Brad Binder, Enea Bastianini and Maverick Viñales during the post-season Valencia session.