Pedrosa Hints Ducati Secured Acosta for 2027

MotoGP, Sportrik Media - Dani Pedrosa has dropped a significant hint regarding a potential major 2027 signing for Ducati, stating that the Italian manufacturer “has made a good move” amid strong speculation linking Pedro Acosta with a future switch.

With nearly all rider contracts set to expire at the end of the current season, 2026 was already anticipated to become one of the most volatile rider markets in recent MotoGP history. However, even before the championship has properly begun, the market has accelerated at an unprecedented pace.

Ahead of the Sepang test, Fabio Quartararo was widely reported to have agreed a deal to join Honda, while Jorge Martin has been strongly linked with replacing him at Yamaha.

Elsewhere, Aprilia moved decisively to secure Marco Bezzecchi on a two-year agreement. Ducati, meanwhile, is understood to be close to renewing its contract with Marc Marquez, although negotiations have reportedly slowed in recent weeks.

Acosta has emerged as one of the central figures in the 2027 discussions. Reports suggest that the Spanish rider has already agreed terms to join Ducati, potentially forming a formidable line-up should the manufacturer also finalise a new deal with Marquez.

Entering his third MotoGP season in 2026, Acosta remained guarded when questioned about his future during the Sepang test, maintaining focus on performance rather than contractual matters.

However, speaking to DAZN following the test, Pedrosa — a 31-time MotoGP race winner and KTM test rider — added further weight to the speculation surrounding Acosta’s future.

“We knew that the pieces were going to move very soon, but you could say that this has been the fastest rider market in history,” Pedrosa said.

“Because having almost the entire grid set before the first day of testing is unprecedented.”

Although Pedrosa did not explicitly confirm any specific agreement, his reference to Ducati making a “good move” has been widely interpreted within the paddock as a nod toward the Acosta rumours.

The accelerated timeline of contract negotiations reflects a broader shift in MotoGP’s strategic landscape. Teams are increasingly locking in long-term agreements well before a new season begins, particularly with the next technical era approaching.

Should Ducati successfully secure Acosta, it would represent a strategic investment in youth and long-term competitiveness, reinforcing the manufacturer’s position at the forefront of the championship heading into the 850cc regulation cycle.

For now, no official announcement has been made, and Acosta continues to focus on his development trajectory within the championship. Nevertheless, Pedrosa’s comments underline the intensity and speed of the current rider market dynamics.

As the 2026 season approaches, on-track results in the early rounds may further influence the final shape of the 2027 grid. What is already clear is that the rider market has shifted into high gear earlier than ever before, with Ducati appearing central to the next phase of MotoGP’s competitive evolution.