Ducati has officially signed young sensation Pedro Acosta on a two-year deal, calling him “one of the most talented riders in MotoGP” and signaling a bold new era for the Italian manufacturer.
After years of admiration, Ducati finally secured the 22-year-old KTM star to replace outgoing champion Francesco Bagnaia, who is expected to join Aprilia Racing in 2027. The announcement came just hours after Bagnaia’s departure was made public, confirming rumors that had swirled since the start of the 2026 season.
Acosta will join forces with Marc Marquez, who recently committed to Ducati with his own two-year contract extension. Together, Acosta and Marquez will form one of the most formidable lineups in recent MotoGP history—drawing comparisons to the legendary pairing of Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo at Yamaha.
The timing of Acosta’s signing is significant, with MotoGP set to enter the new 850cc era in 2027. Ducati’s leadership, including CEO Claudio Domenicali, made it clear that Acosta is seen not just as a short-term star, but as the long-term future of the factory team:
“Pedro is undoubtedly one of the most talented young riders in the MotoGP paddock. At just 22, he’s the kind of rider with whom a new and exciting chapter can be written,” Domenicali said. “We’ve admired him for some time, and his personality and talent will make Ducatisti fall in love with him once he’s in red.”
Alongside Marquez, Acosta will be expected to challenge for wins and titles as Ducati looks to build on its recent success and remain a leading force in the sport.
With this blockbuster signing, Ducati is sending a clear message: the future is now, and they intend to stay at the pinnacle of MotoGP for years to come.
