Talks between Pedro Acosta and VR46 Racing Team over a move for the 2026 MotoGP season ultimately came to nothing, with the Spaniard remaining at KTM for the second year of his factory deal.<\/p>\n
However, Acosta remains one of the key figures in the 2027 rider market, when most seats will be available for MotoGP\u2019s new 850cc era.<\/p>\n
KTM <\/a>has made a statement of intent by becoming the first manufacturer to track test an 850cc machine.<\/p>\n However, the company\u2019s new ownership and rumoured cost-cutting plans, following last winter\u2019s financial crisis, mean question marks remain over the RC16 project.<\/p>\n After a frustrating start to this season, Acosta and KTM fought back strongly with twelve podiums and fourth in the world championship.<\/p>\n Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n However, the Austrian factory has been without a MotoGP<\/a> victory since 2022.<\/p>\n Although VR46<\/a> were also winless this season, Ducati dominated the championship with Marc Marquez, while Acosta\u2019s former Moto2 rival \u00a0Fermin Aldeguer took a debut victory in his rookie season at Gresini.<\/p>\n \u201cWhich team doesn’t like Pedro Acosta? This is the thing, no?\u201d VR46 team manager Pablo Nieto told Crash.net, when asked about the earlier discussions.<\/p>\n \u201cIn the end, of course we would love if Pedro came to us. If I tell you that’s not true, I’m a liar. And I don’t want to be a liar.<\/p>\n \u201cWe were talking, of course, but we respect a lot that he has a contract with KTM. We want to respect that.<\/p>\n Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n \u201cBut it should be a dream to have Pedro Acosta<\/a> in our team. And you never know what happens in the future.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are open for Pedro – and all the fast riders.\u201d<\/p>\n With Acosta staying put, VR46 re-signed Franco Morbidelli alongside Fabio di Giannantonio for 2026.<\/p>\n However, like Acosta, both are out of contract at the end of next season.<\/p>\n