Following hot on the heels of Francesco Bagnaia’s departure, Ducati have announced Pedro Acosta as his replacement.
The Spaniard will join from next season on a two-year deal, partnering compatriot Marc Marquez who extended his contract until 2028 earlier this week.
It will be the first time the Ducati factory squad haven’t fielded an Italian rider since 2010 with Australian Casey Stoner and American Nicky Hayden.
Acosta, a Moto3 and Moto2 champion in his first three years of racing, departs KTM, with whom he has been with since his graduation to MotoGP in 2024.
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Ducati confirm Pedro Acosta signing
In a press release, Ducati general manager Luigi Dall'Igna said:
“Pedro represents the ideal candidate for the future of the Ducati Lenovo Team. After Marc's confirmation, we wanted to add a young and fast rider to the Desmosedici GP development project.
“Pedro, in addition to being an undisputed talent, has demonstrated extraordinary precocity. In just under six years in the Championship, he has won two titles in the lower classes and achieved truly convincing performances in MotoGP.
“His arrival in the Team will be a stimulus for everyone; he will help us grow, and we will support him on the path to full maturity as a rider. I am confident that, with the encouragement of our Team and given the right amount of time, his contribution, for sure, will ensure a further step forward in terms of performance and goals."
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Acosta and Marquez have thrilled all season and will do so again on the same bike (Credit: Red Bull Content Pool)
CEO Claudio Domenicali added:
“Pedro is undoubtedly one of the most talented young riders in the MotoGP paddock. At just 22 years old, he is the kind of rider with whom a new and exciting chapter can be written.
“We have always liked him and have been following him for some time, both for what he has achieved on track and for his direct and easy-going personality, which we are sure will make Ducatisti fall in love with him once he is dressed in red.
“We believe that, alongside Marc, he represents the ideal complement for a team that - building on its history and on the results achieved in recent years - wants to continue playing a leading role in the future and remain a source of admiration, respect and support for Ducati fans all around the world."
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A mouth-watering line-up
Acosta is yet to win a MotoGP race, with 13 podiums in 49 Grand Prix starts. Seven of those have been second-placed finishes, often to Marquez in thrilling fashion.
His closest attempt yet came in Hungary where the pair traded the lead multiple times before Marquez came out on top for his 100th victory.
Before that they had an almighty tussle at Mugello where Acosta came out on top, but only taking sixth. Afterwards he had huge priase for his future teammate:
"At least I managed a few overtakes, which were really cool. [...] Especially because I was able to stay behind Marc for a long time and see how a champion like him can manage the race in different ways.
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"The guy doesn't give up. I think it was a good battle, there were some really cool overtakes, so I hope the fans enjoyed it. Did I learn anything from him? Above all, I was trying to focus on how he managed the tire. In the end, these are things we have to improve quite a bit. [...] Being behind Marc is always interesting.
"I think we need more races like this in the championship, more competition. That will get the fans watching the races again like they used to. I hope this race also helps to get people excited."
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Austrian Grand Prix
Overview
Friday 26.06.26
Practice 1
11:30 AM
Practice 2
03:00 PM
Saturday 27.06.26
Practice 3
10:30 AM
Qualification
02:00 PM
Sunday 28.06.26
Race
01:00 PM
Friday 26.06.26
Practice 1
Fri 11:30 AM
Practice 2
Fri 03:00 PM
Saturday 27.06.26
Practice 3
Sat 10:30 AM
Qualification
Sat 02:00 PM
Sunday 28.06.26
Race
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