Despite the move to Ducati: Why KTM is backing Pedro Acosta for the Pirelli test

Whilst some manufacturers are deliberately selecting riders for the first test of the new 850cc MotoGP prototypes who will still be part of their project in 2027, KTM is taking a different approach. On Monday, following the Czech Grand Prix, the Austrians will be sending none other than Pedro Acosta out onto the track – even though the Spaniard is set to leave the factory team at the end of the season and move to Ducati.

Although Acosta’s move has still not been officially confirmed, the deal has long been regarded as a done deal in the MotoGP paddock. This made the confirmation by KTM’s Head of Motorsport, Pit Beirer, all the more surprising: it is the future Ducati rider, of all people, who is set to provide the first comparative data for the new prototype fitted with Pirelli tyres.

“We’re splitting the work between our test team and the race team,” Beirer explained to MotoGP.com. When asked which regular rider would be riding the new 850cc prototype, the German replied without hesitation: “Pedro will be the one on Monday.”

This decision stands in contrast to other manufacturers, who deliberately keep their departing riders away from the first tests with the bike of the future. Francesco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin, for example, will not be taking part.

KTM test team impresses Beirer, but...

For KTM, however, this aspect did not play a decisive role. “For us, it’s quite simple: Pedro is the fastest and best KTM rider we’ve ever had and currently have. So we want to have the benchmark data from our best rider,” said Beirer, explaining the choice.

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The KTM motorsport boss made it clear that the factory had by no means lost confidence in its test team – with Dani Pedrosa and Pol Espargaró, KTM boasts arguably the strongest test line-up of any manufacturer. The KTM test team has been carrying out valuable development work for years. However, when it comes to assessing a completely new motorbike, feedback from a top rider is of particular importance.

“Incidentally, we also have the strongest test team. They do a brilliant job. We get a lot of information about the bike from them. But it’s a different matter when we have a proper regular rider on the bike,” explained Beirer.

Why KTM is convinced that Acosta is the right man for the job

For KTM, therefore, the focus is not on long-term planning, but on finding the most meaningful benchmark possible. Within the project, Acosta is regarded as the benchmark for the RC16’s performance and is set to take on this role during the first test of the MotoGP-generation bike from 2027 onwards.

“That’s why it was a logical decision for us, even if one does wonder where he’ll be riding next year,” emphasised Beirer. “He is the most highly rated KTM factory rider of the current season. He is the benchmark for the rest.”

It is precisely this benchmark that will help KTM to understand the new bike’s potential as quickly as possible. “We need to put the best rider on our bike to find out what it is capable of. We will base our subsequent development on that.”

For the Austrians, Monday’s test is therefore far more than just a first outing on the new Pirelli tyres. It marks the starting point for the development of the next generation of MotoGP bikes. “There’s still a long way to go. But I think we have a good basis for Monday to take the next step in development,” said Beirer.

KTM has not yet revealed who will be riding the second bike. Each manufacturer is allowed to test with two riders. KTM must choose between Pol Espargaro and Dani Pedrosa.