MotoGP: Pedro Acosta signs multi-year factory Red Bull KTM contract

Pedro Acosta will ride for the factory Red Bull KTM team in MotoGP next season after signing a new multi-year contract with the Austrian manufacturer.

The 20-year-old has made a stunning start to life in the premier class onboard the Tech3 GasGas RC16. Acosta podiumed in only his second Grand Prix race (Portimao) and has gone on to claim another GP podium at COTA and a sprint podium at Jerez. He also set the fastest lap on his debut at Qatar and in Barcelona.

Throughout the campaign Acosta has been challenging at the front and taking no prisoners whilst battling hard with Pecco Bagnaia, Jorge Martin and Marc Marquez. Perhaps more importantly, he’s consistently beating his three KTM/GasGas teammates.

“It was important to me to keep pushing with KTM, and to see the whole project and the story until now and how we have grown in racing,” Acosta said. “So, it’s nice to carry on for the future: getting in orange is like coming back home. The way they are pushing and improving in the last couple of years is what is also pushing me to stay for the next couple of years.

“It was a dream in 2020 when I signed my first contract with KTM to go to Moto3. It wasn’t the easiest time for me, and they saved my career, let’s say, and it was so great to make that step to the factory team and come all this way together. I remember in 2019 and the selection event for Rookies; it felt like a last chance for me, and KTM and Red Bull gave me an opportunity. It is one of the best memories I have.”

Acosta has enjoyed a rapid rise within the Grand Prix paddock after making his Moto3 debut in 2021. The Spaniard finished second in the season opener at Qatar, before sensationally winning from a pit-lane start at the same circuit the following week.

He went on to win the championship at the first attempt by 43 points and moved straight into the Moto2 class. His first year in the intermediate class wasn’t as straightforward due to a broken leg, but he still ended his campaign in fifth overall with three victories.

Last season he dominated and claimed the Moto2 title by 83 points after securing seven wins, a total of 14 podiums, three poles and eight fastest laps.

“In racing you can never stand still or slow down and Pedro’s story is a rare one,” Francesco Guidotti, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team Manager, said. “We can almost call him a generational talent because of what he has achieved so far. It’s clear he is one of the hottest names in MotoGP now and for 2025 it will be interesting to see and work with him in a closer way.

“The standard is super-high in this sport now for many things: the bikes, the tires, the equipment and the teams. So, to standout so quickly means something quite special. I think we also have to give credit to his current team in the pit box next door for giving Pedro the platform to show what he can do.”

Such is his talent and ability, Acosta has long been labelled as the next Marc Marquez by the media and fans. As things stand contractually, Brad Binder would work alongside Acosta in the factory team in 2025, however Binder’s season hasn’t quite gone to plan, whilst rumours continue to circulate about Marquez’s future.

With Jorge Martin edging closer to the factory Ducati rider and Marquez stating that Pramac Racing Ducati isn’t an option, he has now been linked to a spot within the KTM project.

The future of Jack Miller, Binder’s current teammate, is unclear. The Australian has endured tough start to the 2024 season and finds himself 15^th in the championship with a best result of fifth in Portimao.