KTM matched their best result of the season at the Grand Prix of Aragon as Pedro Acosta clinched fourth place, not far from the podium.
He challenged Ducati’s Francesco Bagnaia for long spells in Sunday’s race, before dropping off and securing a solid haul of points.
It marks Acosta’s fifth consecutive top-eight finish, which is by far his best and most consistent run of form since arriving in MotoGP last year.
For KTM, it’s an encouraging sign and gives them some hope of retaining their young superstar beyond the end of this season.
Acosta has sent KTM a desperate plea for help recently, and told them that all four of their riders have been suffering this year.
It comes just weeks after Acosta called his best MotoGP race ‘annoying’, where he managed just sixth, despite working really hard.
READ MORE: Pedro Acosta ‘will not dare’ say one thing publicly about his MotoGP future amid KTM exit talk
Pedro Acosta and Brad Binder are ‘demanding’ action from KTM after factory visit
It has already been three years since KTM last claimed a victory, courtesy of Miguel Oliveira’s Grand Prix of Thailand efforts in 2022.
KTM ‘restricted’ Acosta’s contract by not allowing him to have an exit clause and let him leave early, much like Jorge Martin is trying to do at Aprilia.
However, despite improvements in their situation both on and off the track, Acosta still faces fresh worries at KTM, with no guarantees for their commitment to motorsport in the future.
Speaking on TNT Sports during the Grand Prix of Aragon, Gavin Emmett revealed that KTM’s riders made a surprise visit to the factory during the week.
“Pedro Acosta I have to say, just in fourth place, sandwiched in between them. Best result this year is fourth but that came in France. This is a step forward,” he said. “He’s demanding action from the factory.
“He and Binder went over to Austria in the week. It feels like something this weekend, how much of it is down to the track do you think?”
READ MORE: Mat Oxley jumps to Marc Marquez’s defence after Aragon MotoGP incident with Pedro Acosta
Where could Pedro Acosta go in 2026 if he’s unhappy with KTM’s performance?
Honda could target Acosta for 2026 with a void to fill if they opt against renewing Luca Marini’s contract in the factory team for next year.
They would have to pay to release him from his KTM deal early, or they could wait until after the 2026 season to sign him.
If Jorge Martin leaves Aprilia as intended, then there could be an opening at yet another factory team that would benefit from having a superstar rider.
Martin is one of his main rivals for another ride, but the difference in situations is vast. Martin could set himself contractually free without any financial obligations if he wants to.
While Acosta is relying on someone to really want him, and pay what is likely to be a strong fee to secure his services in the future.
