Pedro Acosta wins Austrian Grand Prix amid Ducati move

Pedro Acosta secured his first MotoGP premier-class victory at the Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring, marking KTM's first win at the circuit since 2022. Despite a difficult start due to an initial wheelie that cost him positions, Acosta maintained his pace to claim the win.

Following the victory, KTM CEO Gottfried Neumeister revealed that he attempted to persuade Acosta to remain with the Austrian manufacturer for the 2027 season. Acosta, however, has signed a two-year deal to join the factory Ducati team. Acosta stated his decision was driven by a desire to compete against Marc Marquez using the same machinery, rather than financial incentives.

Former MotoGP champion Jorge Lorenzo praised Acosta’s talent, describing him as an ‘extraterrestrial’ rider with the potential to become a multiple-time world champion. Lorenzo noted that while Acosta shows immense speed, he must work on consistency to match top competitors like Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi.