Spanish rider Pedro Acosta stated that his decision to switch to Ducati in 2027 was not about beating Marc Marquez, but about learning from him. The Red Bull KTM rider will be Marquez's teammate in the upcoming season with the factory Ducati team. After speaking on the first day of the Indonesian GP, Acosta emphasized that the risk of sharing the same garage was heavier than the risk of losing.
Different Perspective from the KTM CEO
Pedro Acosta's statements differed from the version shared by KTM CEO Gottfried Neumeister in Austria. Neumeister had stated that he was trying to keep Acosta in the team with a large financial offer and that he received the following response.
Even if I have a better motorcycle and can win with it, what I want is to beat Marc with the same weapons.
Acosta explained with his manager Albert Valera what their main priorities are.
Albert and I have only one goal: to ride the most competitive motorcycle and to join the most competitive team of the last decade. I say that to give a number.
Opportunity to Learn from the Best Rider in History
For Acosta, the presence of Marc Marquez means an opportunity for development that he does not want to miss. The Spanish rider believes he cannot seize this opportunity again.
It is not about beating Marc. The only reason I want to go near Marc is that there is no other opportunity to learn from the best rider in history or the best rider of the last fifteen years.
According to Acosta, the matter goes beyond a direct comparison.
Even if I lose, it will gain more for my long-term career than losing to him.
No Negotiation with KTM
Pedro Acosta denied rumors that he had started negotiations to stay with KTM.
I have not negotiated with KTM at all. They sent me a contract, and I said no.
Acosta's decision reflects the influence of a previous year. The Spanish rider had tried to leave KTM during that period and was accused of not respecting his contract.
I will not put myself in a situation like that for the whole world's money. Let them forget this.
The offer did not change Acosta's decision to compete with Ducati in 2027.
I think this was the decision I thought about the least in my life.
Completing the practice session on Friday of the Indonesian GP, Acosta finished in fourth place with a lap time of 1:29.394. The Spanish rider was 0.669 seconds behind the leader, Raul Fernandez. Acosta also finished in fourth place in the morning practice session.
Figures
- Pedro Acosta finished 5th in the 2026 MotoGP season with 258 points (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing).
- Archive: Ai Ogura took 6th place: raced against Fernandez and Acosta (October 4, 2026)
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Go to sourceCompiled by Şükrü Utku Poyraz
