Why Acosta’s MotoGP complaints are more than just a warning for KTM

The brewing conflict between Jorge Martin and Aprilia was a hot topic on the British Grand Prix weekend at Silverstone. But, while that saga continues to dominate headlines and stir speculation across the MotoGP paddock, another storyline may soon capture its share of attention.

PLUS: How Aprilia is winning the moral battle with Martin after British GP triumph

Judging by what unfolded at Silverstone – both on the track and in the press room – Pedro Acosta and KTM could be the next headline act.

Though the tension between rider and manufacturer hasn’t yet boiled over, Acosta’s recent shift in tone strongly indicates that storm clouds are gathering.

Acosta finished the British GP sixth – his second-best result on a Sunday this season, behind only his fourth place at the previous race in France. That, however, was rain-affected and far from a reliable benchmark – and the rider from Mazarron finished it a yawning 30 seconds behind winner Johann Zarco.

At Silverstone, the gap to winner Marco Bezzecchi was just seven seconds – the nearest Acosta has come to the ultimate pace yet. But that race also came with caveats, particularly the fact that none of the six Ducatis chose the better soft front tyre Acosta picked.

The Moto3 and Moto2 champion left the event voicing his frustration with the RC16, a bike he says “lacks the grip of the others”.

Beyond pointing out the weaknesses of his current machine, Acosta also referred to the strides made by rivals – although it should be pointed out that the Japanese factories currently enjoy a level of testing and development concessions that KTM doesn’t.

“I heard Yamaha brought a new chassis, took pole and could have won the race,” said the man who turned 21 on Sunday.

Beyond the sniping, further statements began to sound less like complaints and more like a veiled warning – if not a direct threat: “I don’t accept this situation, and I don’t have patience. Opportunities only come once, and I won’t wait forever to become world champion. I need help from the factory.

“You’re only young until you’re not,” he said, before explicitly referencing his contract, which was renewed just a year ago. “I’ve got another year on my deal, but this week I’ve made it clear: I need help. I don’t want to come to races just to burn fuel.

“I still believe in this project. And I’m not talking about winning the championship this year or next, but at least feeling like I’m fighting for something. I signed this deal to fight for a title – even if I end up losing [that fight].”

KTM bosses have had to consider off-track issues, like the finances, as well as on-track performance

Photo by: Gold and Goose Photography / LAT Images / via Getty Images

KTM has been in firefighting mode for months, dealing with one crisis after another, to the point that it sometimes feels like the entire operation is under siege.

Until last week, the very financial viability of the company was uncertain. A €600million injection from Bajaj – one of the group’s largest stakeholders alongside former CEO Stefan Pierer – has bought some time, though it remains to be seen how much of that capital will trickle down to KTM’s MotoGP division. Autosport understands that the Indian conglomerate even considered pulling out of the championship altogether in recent weeks.

But the longer-term prospects, especially with the new technical regulations set for 2027 and Liberty Media’s imminent takeover as the series promoter, appear promising enough to keep KTM’s MotoGP programme afloat. One major question that may soon need answering is whether the brand will scale back to a single factory team and seek a buyer for its Tech3 grid slots.

For Acosta, of course, the mere survival of the programme is not enough. He wants what he was promised: the tools to fight at the front. That is something KTM simply can’t offer at present. Like Aprilia, it is clinging to the terms of an existing contract with a star rider.
Whichever way you look at it, the situation is complicated. From KTM’s side, losing Acosta is unthinkable – he’s its cornerstone for the future. From Acosta’s perspective, however, continuing in this state of frustration is untenable.

He certainly isn’t lacking suitors. Autosport understands that VR46 is among the teams most eager to welcome him – likely from 2026 onwards. That, of course, depends on whether a way can be found to terminate Acosta’s KTM contract early, which will be no easy feat. Especially considering it’s almost certain that his deal lacks the kind of release clause found in Martin’s contract with Aprilia.

It was thanks to just such a clause, negotiated by Martin’s agent Albert Valera – who also happens to represent Acosta – that the Madrid-born rider was able to part ways with KTM in 2020 and debut in MotoGP with Pramac Ducati the following year. In response to that episode, KTM tightened contract terms significantly to avoid a repeat.

“I won’t comment on Martin and Aprilia’s situation,” KTM motorsport director Pit Beirer told reporters at Silverstone just hours before Acosta made his discontent public. “I haven’t spoken to them. We’re happy with our team and our riders aren’t on the market for next year.”