KTM’s Struggle to Secure Pedro Acosta’s Future
KTM’s MotoGP boss, Pit Beirer, has openly acknowledged that the Austrian manufacturer is running out of time to convince its top rider, Pedro Acosta, to extend his contract beyond 2026. Acosta, who is still searching for his first premier class victory in his second season, has faced challenges due to KTM’s inconsistent performance with the RC16. However, there have been signs of improvement since the summer break.
The Portuguese Grand Prix this weekend is seen as a crucial opportunity for Acosta to break his winless streak. During practice on Friday, he recorded the third-fastest time, showing promise. Despite this, Beirer knows that a single strong session won’t be enough to convince Acosta to stay with KTM beyond next year.
Acosta’s talent is highly sought after by other MotoGP manufacturers, and Beirer is fully aware of the competition. When asked about the possibility of losing Acosta in 2027, Beirer stated, “I think that’s very clear… he’s not here to make the maximum money, he’s here to win. I feel we still have a little bit of time, not too much left, to prove that we are the right partners for him.”
Beirer expressed optimism that KTM’s recovery since a difficult winter could help secure Acosta’s loyalty. He pointed out that the team has made significant progress, becoming more competitive. The development of the 2027 bike engine is already underway and shows great potential.
“We had a difficult winter. It was like almost a two-month standstill. And in MotoGP, if you stand still, this speed train is just moving without you. That we had to pick up what we lost last winter was really difficult. But I’m so thankful the team and the people we have at home in the factory didn’t give up and that they showed that we can come back. And from here, another small step is needed and we are in the game.”
“Then we are also in the game to talk to Pedro for the future. That’s our target, of course. We want to keep this boy with us.”
However, all of this depends on whether KTM continues its MotoGP project in 2027. Despite Beirer’s confidence in technical developments, the company’s future in the series remains uncertain. KTM has faced significant challenges this year, including major workforce reductions, which have impacted its MotoGP operations.
The recent cuts to the workforce mark another turbulent chapter for the company. While KTM has shown resilience in recovering from past setbacks, the path forward is still unclear. For Acosta, the pressure is mounting as he continues to search for his first MotoGP victory.
KTM’s ability to provide a competitive machine and maintain its presence in MotoGP will play a critical role in determining whether Acosta stays with the team. As the 2026 season draws to a close, the stakes have never been higher for both the rider and the manufacturer.