MotoGP: Why did Ducati lure Pedro Acosta away from KTM?

Ducati Corse has confirmed that Pedro Acosta will join the Ducati Lenovo Team from the 2027 MotoGP season, stepping into the factory line‑up as Marc Márquez’s teammate and succeeding Francesco Bagnaia at the conclusion of the 2026 campaign.

The announcement marks a major generational shift for the Borgo Panigale manufacturer, which continues to invest in the brightest young talents while reinforcing its long‑term racing ambitions.

The agreement, announced in Borgo Panigale on June 24th, 2026, secures Acosta for the 2027 and 2028 seasons. Born in 2004, the Spaniard is widely regarded as one of the most gifted riders to emerge from the MotoGP talent pipeline.

He will make his debut on the factory Desmosedici GP, further strengthening Ducati’s technical project and signalling the company’s intention to build its future around a blend of elite experience and youthful brilliance.

Acosta’s rapid rise through the Grand Prix ranks has been nothing short of remarkable. He won the Moto3 and Moto2 World Championships within just three years of entering the paddock, then impressed immediately in MotoGP by claiming the Rookie of the Year title in 2024.

The Spaniard followed that with fourth place in the 2025 standings and accumulated 13 premier‑class podiums before turning 23. Ducati’s decision reflects both his proven speed and his long‑term potential.

Ducati Motor Holding CEO Claudio Domenicali praised Acosta’s talent and personality, emphasising the strategic importance of his arrival: “Pedro is undoubtedly one of the most talented young riders in the MotoGP paddock. At just 22 years old, he is the kind of rider with whom a new and exciting chapter can be written.”

Domenicali revealed that Ducati has been tracking Acosta closely for years: “We have always liked him and have been following him for some time, both for what he has achieved on track and for his direct and easy‑going personality, which we are sure will make Ducatisti fall in love with him once he is dressed in red.”

He also highlighted the strength of the future line‑up: “We believe that, alongside Marc, he represents the ideal complement for a team that — building on its history and on the results achieved in recent years — wants to continue playing a leading role in the future and remain a source of admiration, respect and support for Ducati fans all around the world.”