Pedro Acosta Moves to Ducati Driven to Beat Marc Marquez on Same Machinery

Pedro Acosta is set to end his long association with KTM to join the factory Ducati team for the 2027 MotoGP season, replacing three-time world champion Francesco Bagnaia. He will partner alongside reigning champion Marc Marquez. According to KTM, Acosta's decision was motivated by a desire to beat Marquez on the exact same machinery rather than a more lucrative contract offer.

KTM CEO Gottfried Neumeister revealed that he personally tried to convince the young prodigy to stay, but could not alter his decision. Neumeister quoted Acosta as stating that his move was not about money, emphasizing his wish to defeat Marquez using the same bike, even if KTM were to build a superior machine for the upcoming 850cc era. Although Acosta's departure represents a major loss for the Austrian manufacturer, Neumeister expressed respect for his racing spirit and left the door open for a potential reunion in the future.

Responding to KTM's comments regarding Acosta's desire to beat him on equal machinery, nine-time world champion Marc Marquez stated that he does not share the same mindset. Pointing to the differences in their ages and career stages, Marquez noted that this rivalry is not his current focus.