- Pedro Acosta is set to leave KTM and join Ducati in 2027
- Marc Marquez is close to extending his contract with Ducati
- According to reports, Francesco Bagnaia is looking for alternatives both within and outside the Ducati camp
Following several spectacular rider decisions by other manufacturers, Ducati is also setting a clear course for the coming years. While the competition is setting the course early on, those responsible at Borgo Panigale are acting comparatively calmly, which is said to be mainly due to Marc Marquez’s clear stance.
Ducati focuses on continuity with Marc Marquez
Marc Marquez recently made it clear that he wants to stay with the manufacturer with whom he won the world championship title again. The new contract between the Spaniard and Ducati is considered to be largely negotiated, with only the final details still to be finalized. Official confirmation is expected before the first race of the 2026 season.
This stability gives Ducati a comfortable starting position in the tense transfer market compared to other manufacturers. While rivals are under pressure to act, Ducati can plan more strategically.
Pedro Acosta as a logical addition from 2027
In recent weeks, there have been increasing signs that Pedro Acosta will join the factory team from 2027. The double world champion in Moto3 in 2021 and Moto2 in 2023 is set to leave KTM and has reportedly signed a long-term contract with Ducati, although official confirmation is still pending.
Spanish media outlets unanimously report that Acosta is set to be Marquez’s future teammate. From Ducati’s perspective, this pairing would not only be appealing from a sporting point of view, but also make strategic sense. Acosta is considered a potential successor for when Marquez ends his career or seeks a new challenge.
Bagnaia explores new prospects
At the same time, there are growing indications that Francesco Bagnaia’s camp is already looking for alternative opportunities. An obvious solution would be a move to VR46 to continue riding a Desmosedici. Other options are also being discussed.
One possible scenario would be a move to Yamaha alongside Jorge Martin or a deal with Honda alongside Fabio Quartararo. Even Aprilia could make the Italian an offer to pair him with Marco Bezzecchi. No concrete negotiations have been confirmed, but the search for options is said to be already underway.
Ducati’s approach as strategic protection
The move to sign Acosta early is perceived as aggressive in the paddock. This is particularly because Bagnaia was apparently not given the opportunity to put his potential drop in performance from the previous season into perspective. Internally, however, this decision is to be understood as a precautionary measure.
The volatile transfer market and Marquez’s contract demands are said to have prompted Ducati to act quickly. With Acosta, the manufacturer is not only securing sporting quality, but also planning security for the future. In addition, Acosta’s clear desire to switch to Ducati is said to have made his financial demands more moderate.
A look back at failed transfer plans
Acosta had already considered terminating his contract with KTM early last year in order to join VR46 in 2026 and replace Franco Morbidelli. However, KTM management rejected any talks on the matter. During this phase, motorsport director Pit Beirer tried to convince the Spaniard to extend his contract.
Now, there are many indications that Acosta’s wish to switch to Ducati will be fulfilled after all, albeit with a slight delay.
What does this mean for me as a MotoGP fan?
The possible pairing of Marc Marquez and Pedro Acosta at Ducati points to a long-term sporting orientation and promises a high level of riding within a team. For fans, this means, above all, clear role allocations, internal dynamics at the highest performance level, and possibly more intense internal team comparisons. At the same time, the unresolved questions surrounding Francesco Bagnaia’s future could add extra excitement in the coming seasons, as other manufacturers would be forced to realign their rider strategies. Overall, there are many indications that the balance of power in MotoGP will continue to shift and that the starting grids will be even more influenced by strategic decisions in the coming years.
