MotoGP: With Honda apparently already promised to Jorge Martin, could the Ducati dream also fade for Pedro Acosta

MotoGP: With Honda Apparently Promised to Jorge Martin, Could the Ducati Dream Also Fade for Pedro Acosta?

The 2025 MotoGP rider market is shaping up to be one of the most volatile and unpredictable in years. With Marc Márquez, Jorge Martín, and Pedro Acosta all in the spotlight, the dominoes are beginning to fall — and some dreams may be left in the dust. As reports intensify that Jorge Martín has been promised a factory Honda seat, attention now turns to rising star Pedro Acosta and whether his own Ducati dream is slipping out of reach.

Pedro Acosta, often hailed as the next MotoGP phenom, has already made a massive impression in his rookie season with GasGas Tech3. His fearless riding, race intelligence, and composure beyond his years have put him on the radar of every major factory. Ducati, reigning world champions and boasting arguably the best all-around bike on the grid, seemed like a natural fit. But Ducati’s talent pipeline is crowded, and the political maneuvering within the brand’s multiple teams is more intense than ever.

Initially, the ideal scenario saw Martín, currently leading the championship on a satellite Pramac Ducati, step into the factory red for 2025. That would have left Pramac or even another satellite seat for Acosta — still on a competitive bike but with room to grow. But Ducati’s delay in confirming Martín’s promotion has reportedly frustrated the Spaniard, leading him to explore offers from KTM and, more surprisingly, Honda. According to multiple paddock sources, Honda, desperate for a top-tier rider to lead their rebuilding efforts, has now promised Martín a lead role, which he appears likely to accept.

If Martín moves to Honda, that could open the door for Márquez to take the factory Ducati seat — a tantalizing prospect for fans and Ducati alike, given Márquez’s star power and proven pedigree. This would push Acosta further down Ducati’s priority list, especially if Márquez lands at Lenovo Ducati and Enea Bastianini finds a place within another satellite or factory-aligned team.

Ducati’s depth is now Acosta’s challenge. Even if a seat becomes available, the brand may prefer to promote riders already within its ranks, such as Marco Bezzecchi or even keep faith with Bastianini. Acosta, backed by KTM, could remain with his current team, but would likely demand a more competitive package and perhaps full factory support. KTM, unwilling to lose another generational talent after seeing the Martín situation unfold, is reportedly working behind the scenes to upgrade Acosta’s contract and