KTM's MotoGP director, Pit Beirer, recently made a noteworthy statement regarding Pedro Acosta's potential future with the team, saying, "We haven’t done enough yet." This admission raises eyebrows as the 21-year-old rider approaches the conclusion of his contract with KTM in 2027, igniting discussions within the paddock about where his career might lead next.
Acosta's trajectory has been a hot topic, especially after a lackluster performance in 2025, when it took him nearly half the season to establish himself as a consistent contender for podium finishes. Such struggles have led many to speculate that his time with KTM could be running out.
Adding to the intrigue are persistent rumors linking Acosta to Ducati, where he might partner with Marc Marquez in 2027. These possibilities have intensified since Acosta skillfully sidestepped inquiries about his future during the recent launch event for KTM’s 2026 season.
Beirer expressed confidence that the efforts KTM has invested over the winter in developing its RC16 motorcycle could positively influence contract negotiations with Acosta. When asked whether the team had done enough to sway Acosta towards staying for 2027, Beirer candidly acknowledged that they still have work to do. He stated, "We haven’t done enough yet, because we need to prove first."
He continued, emphasizing that the end of the previous year seemed to bolster Acosta's confidence. Nevertheless, he noted that Acosta remains vocal about his desire for further improvements in the bike, which will factor into the team’s ability to present a compelling contract offer for the future.
"We’ve laid out a clear strategy for how we intend to tackle this season and specifically the upcoming Sepang test," Beirer explained. He is optimistic that the results from Sepang will not only highlight the advancements made over the winter but also create an engaging atmosphere that facilitates discussions about the riders' futures.
"I believe the Sepang test will be crucial for us to demonstrate what we’ve accomplished. I’m confident we will have a successful test, and that environment will pave the way for conversations with our riders about what lies ahead," Beirer said.
He expressed that it is premature to engage in talks now, especially when expectations for progress are high. "We’ve put in the necessary groundwork, and it’s essential that we achieve competitive lap times in Sepang. The riding experience itself is vital; it’s not solely about the lap times but also how the riders feel when they get on the bike and whether we’ve resolved any issues they faced previously."
This is why Beirer feels there is still hope for future discussions with Acosta regarding his career. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on KTM’s performance and how it may influence one of MotoGP's most promising talents.
