Pedro Acosta’s manager, Albert Valera, found himself at the centre of two contractual disputes during the 2025 Formula 1 season.
The most high-profile involved an attempt to trigger an exit clause in Jorge Martin’s Aprilia contract so the 2024 world champion could move to Honda. Aprilia contested the validity of that clause and Dorna ultimately sided with them, meaning Martin had to stay put.
Meanwhile, under the surface, Acosta was quietly exploring a way out of his KTM agreement and had already spoken with Ducati satellite team VR46. However, Dorna applied the same stance as they did with Martin: riders couldn’t break contracts without team approval.
Unlike back then, however, he won’t need to convince Dorna or KTM to let him go if he wants to leave.
Pedro Acosta’s manager hints at impending exit from KTM
Valera attended the Aprilia launch alongside Martin, where he spoke with Motorsport Espana.
Acosta has been linked with VR46, and Valera has confirmed they are considering it as an ‘option’, though his main goal remains to land a seat with a factory team.
Although Acosta is already with KTM’s factory outfit, Valera’s comments made it sound like he won’t be staying there much longer. He didn’t even mention KTM during the conversation.
Valera discussed Acosta’s future as if his departure from KTM was already decided and that the real question was which team he would join next.
He said: “There are possibilities with the vast majority of teams. Is it a possibility? Yes, as I said, Ducati, along with Aprilia, has the best bike, so why not? It could be an option.
“Obviously, every rider aspires to go to the factory team, so that will be our first objective. But if that doesn’t happen, we always have to consider plan B or plan C. But I insist our first objective is to fight to go to a factory team whether it’s Ducati or another team.”
On when any move could take place, Valera added: “We can’t wait for testing of the 2027 bikes; it will be shooting in the dark because new regulations are coming in and we’re starting from scratch. We have to take a chance and trust people — not organisations — but individuals who make up each team,”
“That will be key for each rider: choosing who they want human capital-wise for 2027–28 and which ones they believe bring them more happiness along with more [performance].”
“I would say unlike other years it doesn’t make sense anymore waiting to see what bikes look like; I think markets move quickly now… within five races you should know many fates already.”
VR46 director praises Pedro Acosta’s riding style
There’s no doubt about VR46’s interest in Acosta, and joining them would mean the chance to work with one of the sport’s legends. Still, the pull of a factory seat might be hard to resist.
In a recent chat with MOW, VR46 director Uccio Salucci praised Acosta’s adaptability on track.
“I’m in love with him and his riding,” said Salucci. “He’s someone who changes style four or five times during the race depending on what’s needed at that moment. Those riders are rare.
“Last year we spoke to him briefly because a small opportunity had arisen, but it was very difficult. And then there was Franco, who is one of our riders. Acosta and Aldeguer, two young riders, are fantastic.”
Valentino Rossi has hinted that he already knows his 2027 line-up but isn’t ready to reveal it yet. Even if Acosta signed with Ducati and ended up at VR46, some might still see it as a step below a full factory seat.
Aprilia CEO Massimo Rivola believes Ducati will bring in Acosta to replace Francesco Bagnaia, pairing him with Marc Marquez in what he called a perfect partnership.
- READ MORE: Massimo Rivola tells Marco Bezzecchi what he needs to learn before taking on Marc Marquez
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