Pedro Acosta Explains Why He Still Lacks a MotoGP Win

**Pedro Acosta** confirmed on 12 Oct 2025 that the lack of a MotoGP victory stems from the bike’s technical deficit and his own learning curve, even as he eyes a move to Ducati for 2026.

Acosta finished on the podium 13 times in his third MotoGP season, seven of those as runner‑up, but never topped the step. He told Sky Italia that MotoGP now mirrors Formula 1: success depends on having the right machinery. "We’re not at the level of Aprilia or Ducati," he said, pointing to KTM’s reliability woes, like the engine failure at the Catalan Grand Prix that sent Alex Márquez to the hospital.

Riding a struggling KTM, Acosta often battled against inferior power and handling. The Spanish rider highlighted that a Ducati or Aprilia would give him the “technical weapons” needed to convert podiums into wins. His upcoming contract with Ducati, announced in the winter, promises a red machine that has dominated the class for four straight seasons.

Acosta will share the Ducati garage with eight‑time world champion Marc Márquez. He downplays the stress, noting that Márquez adapts quickly and that the 2026 bike will be “very different.” "I’m not putting anything extra in my head," Acosta said, emphasizing his focus on personal development rather than teammate comparisons.

At 22, Acosta’s record shows rapid adaptation: Moto3 champion at first attempt, Moto2 champion in his second year. The move to Ducati aligns with his ambition to finally claim a MotoGP win. If the new bike delivers the performance gap he described, the next season could see him break the podium‑only pattern that has defined his MotoGP tenure so far.

The 2026 season opener is set for 23 Mar 2026 at the Qatar Grand Prix. Acosta will line up on the Ducati alongside Márquez, marking his first start on a factory‑spec bike capable of matching the class’s top pace. Fans and analysts will watch closely to see if the technical upgrade translates into a long‑awaited victory.