Acosta moves to Ducati: MotoGP transfer from 2027

Background: Acosta's rapid rise

At Ducati, the Spaniard joins a factory team that currently leads the MotoGP World Championship. The lineup includes Marc Marquez, who recently extended his contract with the Italian manufacturer through 2028. „der Weltmeister hatte seinen Vertrag eben erst bis 2028 verlängert", it was stated.

Ducati also confirmed that Francesco Bagnaia will leave the team at the end of the season. The Italian became MotoGP World Champion in 2022 and has 31 Grand Prix victories on a Ducati – more than any other rider for the manufacturer before him. Bagnaia is thus the most successful Ducati rider in the company's history to date.

Bagnaia leaves Ducati after eight years

Bagnaia himself explained his departure with a desire for a new challenge. „Er brauche eine neue Herausforderung, sagte Bagnaia." Which team Bagnaia will race for in the future remains open. „Ob diese KTM heißt, ist offen."

KTM is the Upper Austrian motorcycle team that Acosta will leave after the season. Whether KTM replaces Acosta with a Spanish rider or itself has to fill a gap in its rider lineup also depends on the decisions surrounding Bagnaia.

The move comes at a time when Ducati is reshuffling its rider pairing for 2027: Acosta brings a young, rising pilot, while Marquez remains on board as the established world champion. The personnel decision is seen in the scene as an important signal for the coming two seasons.

Significance for the 2027 MotoGP season

Industry observers see the transfer as an indication that Ducati is banking long-term on a mix of experience and youth. Despite the lack of a MotoGP victory, Acosta brings a remarkable statistical record: 13 podium finishes in the premier class in just under two years speak to a high level of consistency.

It remains to be seen how Acosta assesses handling the Ducati machine compared to the KTM. The 22-year-old has so far turned lap times at the front primarily on Austrian machinery; adapting to the Italian motorcycle is considered one of the central sporting tasks for 2027.

For KTM, Acosta's departure represents a heavy blow. The Spanish rider was considered a lead figure for the coming seasons and one of the few pilots with the potential for consistently high finishes. A replacement of comparable caliber will be hard to find.