Marc Marquez career warning defended by future Ducati teammate
Acosta has spoken out in strong terms (Credit: Red Bull Content Pool)
Connor Andrews is Formula 1 and MotoGP writer for GPblog and various outlets. Having worked in motorsport for 15 years for leading companies, he has interviewed the sports biggest names and attended multiple Grands Prix.
Pedro Acosta has discussed the headlines that came as a result of his comments about the potential end of Marc Marquez’s career.
The KTM rider will partner the nine-time champion in Ducati’s factory team next year after both signed deals through to the end of 2028.
The Spanish sensation is 11 years younger than his compatriot, but was arguably the most sought-after rider on the grid thanks to some stunning displays after graduating to MotoGP as a Moto2 and Moto3 champion.
Acosta is naturally seen as Marquez’s successor at Ducati, and given their age difference, it’s currently safe to assume he’ll be their future number one.
Acosta hinted as much in an interview with motorsport.com where he said: “Marc is in the final stretch of his career, and I’m just starting mine.”
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Acosta and Marquez are all smiles now, but that could change next season (Credit: Red Bull Content Pool)
Acosta stands by Marc Marquez career comments
The comments showed the boldness of the Murcia-born star, which has quickly made him a fan favourite, but they also sharpened the prospect of a potential rivalry in 2027.
There was also some less-than-complimentary social media responses, but Acosta isn’t bothered.
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Speaking to the media ahead of the Aragon Grand Prix, he said: "I hadn't even seen that I'd gotten hate.
“I think I gave a really good interview. But well, in the end, I didn't say anything new to anyone. This is my third year in MotoGP, and Marc has been in MotoGP since I was nine.
“So it's clear that for whatever reason - age, physique, whatever - Marc is closer to finishing his career than I am at the moment.
“So I don't know what to expect when they put me in the garage and when I'm sharing a team with him. But for once, I think I wasn't wrong about what I said."
Despite his elite reputation, Acosta has yet to win a MotoGP Grand Prix. Now in his third season, the youngster has 13 podiums to his name, five of which were runner-up finishes.
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Acosta points to major improvement before Ducati switch
Nevertheless, he was keen to point to his improvements, adding: "Last year I crashed a lot, I lost a lot of points on my own.
“This year, personally, I've only crashed in the Brno sprint, the Jerez sprint, and when I retired in Assen. If you compare all the DNFs I had last year to the ones I'm having now, I've lost more points. That's due to things beyond my control rather than my own mistakes. I'm quite happy with that step forward."
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