Pedro Acosta emphasizes team competitiveness and long-term growth in joining Ducati. In Motorsport.com's October 15 interview, he responded to KTM's account of wanting to beat Marc Márquez on equal machinery: the attraction is first learning from the champion, rather than simply finishing ahead.
KTM's retention efforts and Acosta's choice
KTM CEO Gottfried Neumeister said he personally tried to retain Acosta, describing his wish to race Márquez on the same bike. In his account, increased pay and competitive machinery could not change the decision.
Interviewed during the Indonesian Grand Prix weekend, Acosta said he had already decided to leave when KTM offered renewal, without repeated bargaining. He also said a wish to leave in 2025 led to accusations of not honoring his contract, a situation he did not want repeated.
He and manager Albert Valera sought the most competitive team and bike. Partnering with Márquez offered the chance to learn at close quarters; even losing an internal comparison could bring experience benefiting his career long term.
Two-year contract from 2027 already confirmed
Ducati announced on June 24 that Acosta would join the factory team alongside Márquez in 2027 and 2028, emphasizing development of rider and bike and giving him time to mature. The interview adds his explanation of the decision.
INKA SPORTS analysis: Why more pay could not change the choice
KTM and Acosta both identify Márquez as a major attraction, with different reasons: equal-bike competition versus learning and lasting value. If benefit depended only on beating a teammate, losing would defeat the purpose. Acosta explicitly sees benefit even in defeat, explaining why salary and short-term results do not decide everything in his stated logic. Team environment and colleagues matter too.
Conclusion
He does not avoid direct competition but gives the partnership a longer horizon: results in a competitive environment and experience beside a champion. That describes motivation. The two-year deal is confirmed, while cooperation starts in 2027.
