)
Pedro Acosta has informed KTM that his move to Ducati is driven by his desire to challenge Marc Marquez on equal machinery, rather than seeking a team with more lucrative financial offers.
KTM CEO, Gottfried Neumayr, revealed he personally attempted to persuade Pedro Acosta to remain with the Austrian manufacturer for the 2027 MotoGP season. However, the young Spaniard made it clear that his decision wasn't about money, but about the opportunity to go head-to-head with legend Marc Marquez on the same bike.
"It's no secret, and Acosta himself would tell you the same, that I personally tried to convince him to stay," Neumayr stated after the triumph at the Red Bull Ring.
"I still get goosebumps because he told me: 'Gottfried, it's not about a million more or less. We see riders who start the season on the best bike, then sign with others just for money. For me, that's not the spirit of racing.'"
"He simply said: 'I'm Spanish. Even if you have a better bike with the 850cc engine and I win on it, I want to beat Marc on the same bike.'"
"After that, you understand, you're disarmed... He has such a great character, and I will always have the best feelings when I see him. We will fight together until the last day."
Acosta signed a two-year deal to join seven-time MotoGP champion Marc Marquez at the factory Ducati team for the new era of 850cc engines and Pirelli tires.
As a KTM rider since Moto3, Acosta delivered an early farewell gift to the Austrians by securing his maiden premier class victory at their home track, the Red Bull Ring – KTM's first triumph since 2022. Acosta currently sits fourth in the world championship standings.
,fit(112:112)&format=webp)
,fit(112:112)&format=webp)
,fit(112:112)&format=webp)
,fit(112:112)&format=webp)
&format=webp)