Pedro Acosta has publicly refuted the narrative that his switch to Ducati was driven by a desire to outpace Marc Márquez on the same machinery.
Acosta Shoots Down KTM Claims
During an interview at the Indonesian GP, Acosta clarified that the suggestion he sought to “beat Marc on the same bike” was a mischaracterisation of his intentions and a misunderstanding of the private exchange shared by KTM’s chief executive, Gottfried Neumeister.
KTM’s Relentless Effort to Retain a Rising Star
Neumeister admitted he had personally tried to keep the Spaniard in his stable for MotoGP’s 2027 season, offering financial incentives and a promising 850cc package. The CEO’s own words reveal his frustration: “It is not a secret that I tried personally to convince him to stay but it was very tough.”
He recalled that Acosta responded to the offers with a blunt refusal, stating, “Please, Gottfried, it is not about a million more or less.” The rider made it clear the sole ulterior motive behind any potential move was not monetary or simple bargaining power.
Acosta’s Refusal and the Ducati Move
Acosta explained that the contract negotiation never took place with KTM in his hands; the company presented a counter‑offer after he had already rejected their initial pitch. He emphasised that the decision to join Ducati was made after no negotiation had taken place, stating, “I think this was the decision I have given the least thought to in my life.”
The Spaniard linked his decision to the objective of racing with the most competitive machine and factory support available in the last decade, adding that he was eager to learn from a rider “the best in history or the best of the last fifteen years.”
A Gemini of Ambition: Learning, Winning, and the Long‑Term Goal
While acknowledging the allure of racing alongside a legend, Acosta emphasised that “it is not about beating Marc.” He added that on a longer timeline, being aligned with Márquez would offer superior developmental insight and career advancement, regardless of race outcomes. He noted that this curiosity about mastery was a “clear reason” for the Ducati partnership.
Recent Triumph and Future Outlook
Acosta’s most recent headline performance, a victory at the Austrian Grand Prix, marked the first MotoGP win for KTM in four years. However, the rider’s focus remains on securing the best competitive environment rather than chasing headlines, as demonstrated by his decisive contract move to Ducati.
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