Pedro Acosta finds himself in a precarious situation as KTM’s financial crisis spark concerns over his much-anticipated factory move for 2025 MotoGP.
The young Spaniard, who has already made a huge impact in his rookie season, is now at the center of discussions regarding implications of the company’s looming financial troubles on its racing program and its ability to retain top talent.
Pedro Acosta’s transition comes amid KTM’s financial crisis with reports indicating that the Austrian manufacturer is grappling with bankruptcy after debts escalated dramatically in recent months, nearing €3 billion, a staggering figure that has forced the company to file for insolvency and enter self-administration.
The financial turmoil has led to a halt in the development of their MotoGP bikes, a move that raises huge concerns about their competitiveness and overall presence in the championship moving forward.
While KTM management has assured its riders, including Pedro Acosta, that the 2025 MotoGP program will continue as planned, the underlying uncertainties remain palpable.
Acosta’s manager Albert Valera has publicly voiced concerns over the viability of KTM’s long-term plans and the potential impact on Acosta’s career.
“Nobody warned us of this possibility when we signed the contract in May,” said Valera. “We were told that KTM was a giant with huge financial muscle, it was a complete surprise for us. It has not been easy news to digest.
“Fortunately, from what we are told, the project is going to continue in MotoGP, so there is no danger of having no bike for next year. What we are wondering is under what conditions we are going to be able to compete.
“In May we signed a contract with a winning project, with a company that was generating tens of millions of profit and with a clear message that they were in a strong position to be able to fight against Ducati.
“However, today this is not the case. Suddenly, in six months, everything has changed and we wonder what has happened. It is something that worries us and to deny the obvious would be absurd.
“I think we have to recognise it and be honest, and obviously, both Pedro and I, his family and his entourage, are concerned about the current situation.”
Pedro Acosta’s journey in MotoGP has been nothing short of remarkable. At just 20 years old, he has already secured two podium finishes and is currently ranked among the top contenders in the championship standings.
His impressive performances have earned him a promotion from the Tech3 satellite team to the factory squad for 2025, a move that reflects both his talent and KTM’s commitment to nurturing young riders.
However, with KTM’s financial crisis looming large, questions arise about whether the company can maintain its competitive edge and support its riders effectively.
While Pedro Acosta is under contract until the end of 2026, Valera conceded it would be hard to break the contract with KTM at this point, but it would be difficult to trust the company’s promises.
“I think we have to do an exercise that is difficult to do, but that we have to do, which is to trust what we are told,” he added. “I say it’s difficult to do because obviously the KTM company, at the time, told us that they were a giant and that they were in a position to take on Ducati, and that’s not the case.
“Now, everything they tell us we quarantine. But we have to do that difficult exercise of believing, trusting and not anticipating events. Thinking now about breaking a contract for 2025 MotoGP is very difficult.
“I don’t think we have to anticipate events. You can break the contract when there is a breach by the other party. At the moment KTM has not made any breach of contract.
“I would say that for 2025, for the moment, it’s business as usual unless the situation worsens and we hear from KTM. But the message is that they are still in the world championship.”
The uncertainty surrounding KTM’s future has led to speculation about Pedro Acosta’s long-term prospects within the team.
Reports indicate that rival manufacturers are closely monitoring the situation, with Ducati rumored to be interested in acquiring Acosta should KTM’s financial crisis hinder its ability to develop competitive machinery.
Valera has acknowledged that every major factory has reached out to assess Acosta’s availability, highlighting the intense interest in one of MotoGP’s most promising talents.
“I can tell you that I talk to many factories constantly because we have a good relationship and it is a daily communication that we have,” Valera said. “They have all contacted me asking me how Pedro is doing, wishing me that this situation does not affect him; they give us their support and wish us well.
“And I know that all the factories, the moment we are in a position where we have to look for an alternative, will be open to help Pedro Acosta. He is a diamond, he is 20 years old, he has already shown a lot and any factory would love to have his services.”
Despite these challenges, Pedro Acosta remains focused on his goals and committed to his partnership with KTM. He has expressed gratitude for the opportunities provided by the manufacturer and emphasized his desire to contribute to the team’s success.
