The Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League finally made an official announcement at the Italian Grand Prix about the highly anticipated transfer of sensational rookie Pedro Acosta to the KTM factory team next year. Acosta’s arrival with a long-term agreement confirms that current team member Jack Miller will not continue with the team. Speculations have been intense for some time that Acosta, who has already achieved two podiums in his rookie season, would join Brad Binder in the Red Bull-sponsored factory team in 2025. This news is not surprising, considering Miller’s recent poor performances. Acosta will now return to the factory team after spending his rookie season at the Tech3 satellite team, where he rode KTM machines under the Gas Gas brand.
KTM’s motorsports director, Pit Beirer, expressed his excitement about the news, stating that Acosta’s speed and personality on track have won over many fans around the world. Beirer described Acosta as a unique rider, who does things differently and has the determination to carve his own path in MotoGP. He also praised the work of the KTM GP Academy and its role in developing Acosta’s talent. Beirer looks forward to continuing the journey with Acosta through their teams and motorcycles.
Francesco Guidotti, the team manager, welcomed Acosta as a generational talent and acknowledged the impact that the Tech3 team, founded by Herve Poncharal, had on the rookie’s performance. Guidotti believes that Acosta’s inclusion in the KTM team will not significantly affect the ongoing discussions during the MotoGP rumor season, as it was widely expected that he would replace Miller. However, Miller may have the opportunity to swap places with Acosta and join Tech3.
Acosta expressed his joy in continuing with KTM, stating that being part of the team feels like coming back home. He mentioned the progress and improvements that KTM has made in recent years as a motivating factor for his decision to stay in the coming years. Although the initial agreement is for two years, there is the possibility of extending the partnership for the next MotoGP rules cycle, starting in 2027, similar to Fermin Aldeguer’s contract with Ducati.
There are also speculations about Binder’s possible transfer to Tech3, although this would only happen if KTM were able to make a big signing in the free agent market. The current impasse between Marc Marquez, Pramac, and Ducati has fueled rumors of a possible move to KTM, but Guidotti stated that, as far as he knows, Marquez is committed to staying at Gresini unless he secures a spot in the official Ducati team. Guidotti believes it would be unlikely for Marquez to switch bikes twice in two years.
