Acosta's Future with KTM Uncertain as Clock Ticks, Admits Motorsport Director

KTM’s motorsport director, Pit Beirer, has conceded that the Austrian manufacturer faces increasing pressure to secure the long-term commitment of its rising star, Pedro Acosta, beyond the 2026 MotoGP season. The admission comes as Acosta, nearing the end of his second year in the premier class, seeks his first victory while navigating challenges with the RC16 machine.

Acosta’s talent has been apparent since his debut, marked by a meteoric rise through the junior ranks. However, consistent competitiveness on the RC16 has proven elusive, despite recent improvements since the summer break. The Portuguese Grand Prix at Portimao, currently underway, is seen by many as an opportunity for the Spaniard to break his MotoGP duck. Acosta’s performance in Friday practice, where he secured the third-fastest time behind Alex Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia, has fueled such expectations.

However, Beirer acknowledges that a single strong showing is insufficient to guarantee Acosta’s continued allegiance. With every other MotoGP manufacturer keen to secure the young Spaniard’s services, KTM must demonstrate its ability to provide a consistently competitive package.

Asked by Dorna if there was a risk that KTM would not have Acosta on its bike in 2027, Beirer responded: "I think that’s very clear… he’s not here to make the maximum money, he’s here to win. I feel we still have a little bit of time, not too much left, to prove that we are the right partners for him."

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Beirer remained optimistic that KTM’s recent recovery story since "a difficult winter" would help to win Acosta’s ongoing loyalty to a manufacturer that showed faith in him from a young age.

"Just look where we were at the beginning of the year – we’ve come a long way to be already very competitive. The outlook to the 2027 bike engine is already up and running and very promising. So I feel we have a lot to show, not just stories and hope. We had a difficult winter. It was like almost a two-month standstill. And in MotoGP, if you stand still, this speed train is just moving without you.

"That we had to pick up what we lost last winter was really difficult. But I’m so thankful the team and the people we have at home in the factory didn’t give up and that they showed that we can come back. And from here, [just] another small step is needed and we are in the game. And then we are also in the game to talk to Pedro for the future. That’s our target, of course. We want to keep this boy with us."

Acosta’s Ascent and KTM’s Investment

Pedro Acosta’s career trajectory has been closely followed since he burst onto the international scene. After winning the 2020 Red Bull Rookies Cup, he immediately won the Moto3 world title in 2021, his rookie year. This rare achievement led to a promotion to Moto2 for 2022, where he continued to impress with three victories and a fifth-place overall finish, despite missing two races through injury. In 2023, Acosta clinched the Moto2 World Championship, setting the stage for his highly anticipated MotoGP debut in 2024.

KTM has invested heavily in Acosta’s career, recognizing his potential to become a future MotoGP champion. He began his journey with the Austrian manufacturer as a teenager, and they have provided him with the resources and support necessary to climb the racing ladder. His current deal, which extends through 2026, sees him ride for the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team.

The Competitive Landscape

The MotoGP landscape is fiercely competitive, with multiple manufacturers vying for top talent. Acosta’s contract situation has naturally attracted the attention of rival teams. Ducati, Aprilia, Yamaha, and Honda, all factory teams, would be eager to secure the services of a rider who is widely regarded as a future star.

Each manufacturer offers unique advantages. Ducati currently dominates the grid with its Desmosedici machine, widely considered the benchmark in MotoGP. Aprilia has made significant strides in recent years, with its RS-GP bike proving increasingly competitive. Yamaha and Honda, while currently facing challenges, possess the resources and pedigree to return to the front.

KTM’s Recent Performance and Future Prospects

KTM’s MotoGP project has evolved significantly since its debut in 2017. The manufacturer has steadily improved the RC16 machine, securing several race wins and podium finishes. However, consistency has been an issue, with the bike’s performance fluctuating depending on the circuit and conditions.

The 2024 season has seen both improvements and setbacks for KTM. While the bike has shown flashes of competitiveness, particularly in the hands of Acosta and teammate Brad Binder, the team has struggled to consistently challenge Ducati.

The development of the 2027 bike engine is a critical component of KTM’s strategy to retain Acosta. Beirer’s claim that the engine is "already up and running and very promising" suggests that KTM is investing heavily in its future MotoGP program. The technical regulations are due to change in 2027, and KTM is aiming to capitalize on this opportunity to develop a bike that can consistently compete for race wins and championships.

The Financial Realities

Beirer’s comments come against a backdrop of financial challenges for KTM’s parent company, Pierer Mobility Group. In December, the company announced significant workforce reductions, impacting various departments, including the motorsport division. The cuts have raised questions about KTM’s long-term commitment to MotoGP.

Despite the financial headwinds, KTM has reaffirmed its commitment to MotoGP. The manufacturer recognizes the marketing value of the premier motorcycle racing series and the importance of its MotoGP program for developing new technologies.

The Rider Factor

Ultimately, Acosta’s decision will depend on his assessment of KTM’s ability to provide him with a winning machine. While financial considerations are undoubtedly a factor, Acosta’s primary motivation, according to Beirer, is to win races and championships.

Acosta’s talent is undeniable, but his success in MotoGP hinges on the competitiveness of his bike. KTM must convince Acosta that it can provide him with the tools he needs to achieve his goals. This requires continued investment in the MotoGP program, a commitment to developing a competitive bike, and a willingness to adapt to the changing landscape of the sport.

The Pressure is On

As the clock ticks towards 2026, KTM faces mounting pressure to secure Acosta’s future. The manufacturer must demonstrate its ability to compete at the highest level, convince Acosta that it is the right partner for him, and navigate the financial realities of the sport. The next two seasons will be crucial in determining whether Acosta remains with KTM or takes his talents elsewhere.