Pedro Acosta is not just a rising star; he is a rider who makes bold decisions. Leaving KTM to challenge Marc Marquez at Ducati is a statement of intent. KTM CEO Gottfried Neumeister revealed that money was never the main factor. "I personally tried to convince him to stay," Neumeister said. "But he told me, 'It's not about a million more or less.'"
According to Neumeister, Acosta's motivation is pure: to beat Marquez on equal machinery. "He said, 'I'm Spanish. Even if you have a better bike, I want to beat Marc with the same weapon.'" Those words left Neumeister in awe and made him realize KTM couldn't match that ambition. "You're disarmed," he added.
Acosta's move to Ducati in 2027 was agreed last off-season. Despite not yet winning a Grand Prix, he and Marquez have been the standout performers this season. Marquez is now the title favourite despite injury troubles, while Acosta has massively outperformed his KTM peers. His impressive performances have led many to believe he could have commanded more lucrative contracts elsewhere.
KTM motorsport boss Pit Beirer also admitted there was a chance to keep Acosta. "But it was growing in him that he wanted to go there and have the same bike as Marc, and find out who is better," he said. Beirer's statement was corroborated by Neumeister when asked by The Race at the Red Bull Ring, KTM's home MotoGP weekend.
Neumeister emphasized his faith in KTM's future factory line-up of Alex Marquez and Fabio Di Giannantonio, even making a point to mention it after his media session. Despite losing Acosta, KTM seems to have a long-term plan. "I'm really very sorry, and I tried. I tried personally to convince him to stay," he said.
There was a hint of criticism in Neumeister's comment about riders moving for money. "We have seen riders who are sitting on the best bike at the beginning of the season just signing with others for money. This is not a racing spirit," he said. This could be aimed at Jorge Martin, who left KTM on bad terms half a decade ago and switched from Aprilia to Yamaha this year.
The relationship between KTM and Acosta remains healthy until their end-of-year separation. Acosta was even allowed to test KTM's 850cc prototype again this Monday at the Red Bull Ring, after previously testing it at Brno. Neumeister also mentioned a potential reunion down the line. "I will always have the best feelings when I see him," he concluded.
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