Pedro Acosta has never been one to mince words, and his latest interview is no exception. The Spanish rider, currently in what he calls his final season as KTM’s leading MotoGP rider, sat down with Motorsport.com to discuss his career, his rivals, and his no-nonsense approach to racing.
Acosta, who finished fifth at Silverstone after the summer break, is already looking ahead to next year when he will swap orange for red, joining Ducati and lining up alongside Marc Marquez. The move has been one of the worst-kept secrets in the paddock, but Acosta’s candid remarks about his lack of friendships in the sport have raised eyebrows.
No Friends in the Paddock
When asked about overtaking rivals, Acosta was blunt: “I’ve never had friends in the paddock, so I don’t have any qualms overtaking anyone.” It’s a statement that might sound cold, but for a rider who has risen through the ranks with relentless ambition, it’s a philosophy that has served him well.
Acosta’s career has been marked by rapid progression. From winning the Moto3 title in his rookie season to taking the Moto2 crown a year later, he has always been ahead of the curve. Now in MotoGP, he has continued to impress, often outperforming more experienced riders on machinery that isn’t always the class of the field.
The Ducati Move
The move to Ducati is a significant step. Acosta will join a factory team that has dominated MotoGP in recent years, and he will be paired with Marquez, a rider who has won eight world titles and is widely regarded as one of the greatest of all time. Acosta is under no illusions about the challenge ahead.
“Marc is the benchmark,” Acosta said. “He’s won everything, and he’s still winning. I know that going to Ducati means I’ll have to measure myself against him every weekend. That’s what I want. I want to be the best, and to be the best you have to beat the best.”
But Acosta is also aware that the dynamic between teammates can be tricky. “I don’t have friends in the paddock,” he reiterated. “That doesn’t change when you’re teammates. Marc and I will be teammates, but we’ll also be rivals. That’s how it has to be.”
Final Season with KTM
Before he dons the red of Ducati, Acosta has a job to do with KTM. The Austrian manufacturer has invested heavily in MotoGP, and Acosta has been their spearhead. Despite the team’s struggles at times, Acosta has consistently delivered strong results, including a podium finish earlier this season.
“I want to finish this chapter on a high note,” Acosta said. “KTM gave me my chance in MotoGP, and I’ll always be grateful for that. But I’ve always been clear that I want to fight for championships, and right now, Ducati gives me the best chance to do that.”
Acosta’s departure will leave a void at KTM, but the team is already planning for the future. For now, though, the focus is on the remaining races of the 2026 season. With several rounds still to go, Acosta is determined to end his KTM tenure with strong performances.
A New Era
The prospect of Acosta and Marquez as teammates is mouth-watering. Both are aggressive, fearless riders who are not afraid to push the limits. If they can coexist, Ducati could have an unstoppable duo. If not, the sparks could fly.
Acosta, for his part, is not worried about the potential for conflict. “I’ve always raced my own race,” he said. “I don’t think about who’s my teammate or who’s my rival. I just go out there and do my best. If that means overtaking someone, even if it’s Marc, I’ll do it without hesitation.”
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Acosta as he prepares for the biggest move of his career. With his no-friends policy and unwavering self-belief, he is ready to take on the world. And with Marquez waiting for him, the stage is set for one of the most anticipated teammate battles in MotoGP history.
