Pedro Acosta’s manager Albert Valera has been involved in two contract disputes for the 2025 Formula 1 season.
In particular, Valera tried to activate an exit clause in Jorge Martin’s Aprilia deal so he could join 2024 world champion Honda. Aprilia argued that the clause was invalid and Dorna sided with them, forcing Martin to stay.
But under the radar Acosta tried to escape from the KTM dealThey held talks with Ducati satellite team VR46. Dorna’s stance on Martin — that riders can’t terminate a contract without their team’s consent — has also applied to his compatriot.
Will this lineup cause too much friction at Ducati?
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But at the end of this year Acosta’s contract expireslike most of the field. With 10 podium finishes in his first two seasons, he is one of the most coveted riders on the grid.
Pedro Acosta’s manager has strongly hinted that he is going to leave KTM
Valera spoke to them. Motorsport Spain At the launch of Aprilia, he appeared with Martin.
Acosta continues to be in contact with VR46. And Valera confirmed they were ‘alternative’. However, the priority is to join the factory team.
Of course, the 21-year-old already represents the official team KTMBut based on Valera’s comments, he will no longer be there. He did not go so far as to name Acosta’s current employers.
Valera Acosta said his departure is a formality and the only question is where he will go.
Is Pedro Acosta joining Ducati inevitable?
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He said: “There are opportunities with many teams. Could this be? Yes, as I said, Ducati, with Aprilia, has the best bike, why not? This could be an option.
“Obviously every rider dreams of going to the factory team, that will be our first objective, but if that doesn’t happen, we always have to consider plan B or plan C. But I insist, our first objective is to fight to go to the factory team, whether it’s Ducati or another team.
Asked when a step might be taken, Valera said: “We can’t wait to test the bikes in 2027, it will be a shot in the dark because new rules are coming and we are starting from scratch. We have to take a chance and trust the people, the individuals that make up each team.”
“That will be the bottom line: for each rider to choose the human capital they want to work with in 2027 and 2028, who they believe will deliver a better bike and greater enjoyment.
“I say, like in other years, it makes no sense to wait and see what the bikes will be, I think the market will move quickly, and the fate of many riders will be known in the first few races.”
VR46’s Uccio Salucci says he ‘loves’ riding Pedro Acosta
VR46 is clearly flirting with Acosta. And it could give him a chance to work under one of MotoGP’s greatest riders of all time. But that may not offset the demands of the factory team.
Speaking earlier this week reapingVR46 director Uccio Salucci said Acosta has a ‘rare’ talent.
“I’m in love with him and his riding,” Salucci said.
“Last year we had a bit of a chance, so we spoke to him briefly, but it was very difficult. Then there was Franco, one of our riders. Acosta and Aldegure, two young riders, are fantastic.”
Valentino Rossi says he already knows his riders’ line-up for 2027. But he hasn’t been able to share it with his fans yet. Acosta could theoretically sign a factory Ducati deal and race for a satellite team, but that could still be considered a disadvantage.
Aprilia CEO Massimo Rivola predicted. Ducati signs Acosta to replace Francesco BagnaiaHe created a ‘match made in heaven’ with Marc Marquez.
