Pedro Acosta is being linked with a move away from KTM as early as 2026. He could be one of many riders to switch teams thanks to Jorge Martin’s bombshell that he wants to leave Aprilia.
The MotoGP rider market was set to be relatively quiet in 2025, with most teams locking down their line-ups for two years and there being only four seats available. However, that has quickly changed with the news that defending champion Martin has activated an exit clause in his Aprilia contract.
Despite signing a two-year deal following his exit from Pramac Ducati last season, the Spaniard is unsatisfied with the project at Aprilia. The Noale outfit have struggled for performance in his absence.
But Massimo Rivola sent Martin a clear message after teammate Marco Bezzecchi won the British Grand Prix. It proved Aprilia have a competitive bike, despite the Spaniard’s concerns as he watched from his hospital bed – he has been out injured most of the season.
Discussions are set to rumble on between the two parties, with Aprilia pushing to keep their rider and see him honour his contract. However, Aprilia have ‘destroyed’ their relationship with Martin, with his exit looking highly likely.
Martin’s future may also affect Acosta, as he weighs up his options for 2026. But KTM are not looking to lose another rider that easily.
KTM ‘restricted’ Pedro Acosta’s contract from having an exit clause due to Jorge Martin
Acosta and Martin have the same manager in Albert Valera. What is happening with the latter and Aprilia could also happen to the former and KTM, as Acosta is getting increasingly frustrated with his situation.
A Martin-Acosta partnership at Honda is possible, with the riders being linked with the Japanese manufacturer. But VR46 are in pole position to sign Acosta, as it is believed he favours a move to Ducati.
In a report from the Spanish edition of Motorsport.com, the KTM rider cannot move teams unless he breaks his contract. But he will not be able to move as freely as Martin is now with Aprilia.
Martin’s injuries are ‘not specified’ in his exit clause, giving him the right to seek an early departure. The report states that Acosta does not have a clause of the same nature.
KTM lost Martin in his Moto2 days before he had even ridden their bike in MotoGP. The 27-year-old had a performance clause, which he activated to make his debut in the premier class with Pramac; KTM do not want to make the same mistake with Acosta.
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How Pedro Acosta can still leave KTM even without an exit clause
Given his performances in his rookie season in 2024, Acosta has several admirers in MotoGP. KTM had to act fast to tie him down to a factory contract amid interest from other teams.
After a shaky start to the season, the 20-year-old is beginning to score strong results, including fourth at Le Mans and sixth at Silverstone. Yet Acosta is still disappointed with KTM after all riders besides Maverick Vinales failed to reach Q2 at the British GP.
The RC16’s chatter issue and lack of performance has led to speculation that the Spaniard could be on the move in 2026. Acosta can be bought out of his contract for £4.5m, with VR46 and Honda tracking his signature.
It will be an expensive operation for either team, with Honda boasting the financial muscle. However, VR46 have a cheque in hand to sign Acosta, with Valentino Rossi being a keen admirer of the KTM star.
