KTM’s head of motorsport Pit Baylor admits he has “not but completed sufficient” to persuade Pedro Acosta to signal for the 2027 MotoGP season, however believes “there’s a likelihood”.
The 21-year-old’s future in MotoGP is the new matter within the paddock as he enters the ultimate yr of his KTM contract.
2025 ended with a disappointing end result and it took him half a yr to develop into an everyday on the rostrum, nevertheless it appeared like his days with KTM wouldn’t be lengthy.
This sense has solely been strengthened by repeated studies that Pedro Acosta is being thought-about by Ducati to affix Marc Marquez’s manufacturing facility staff in 2027.
On Tuesday, Acosta dodged questions on his future after KTM’s 2026 launch occasion.
KTM believes winter work might result in contract negotiations with Acosta
when requested crash web Even when KTM felt they’d completed sufficient to persuade Acosta for 2027, Pitt Baylor admitted that was not the case.
Nonetheless, he’s assured that the work KTM has completed over the winter on the RC16 will bear fruit on the subsequent Sepang take a look at, offering a possibility to restart negotiations with Acosta.
“We’ve not completed sufficient but, as a result of we have to show it first,” Byler started.
“For some motive, I believe the top of the yr gave him confidence.
“Nonetheless, he has made no secret that he expects an additional step up on the bike and that we’re able to supply him a future contract.
“We’ve made a really clear plan for the way we are going to method the season, particularly the Sepang Check.
“Subsequently, we consider that the Sepang take a look at is vital to point out not solely Pedro however all our riders what we now have achieved over the winter.
“I am assured we are able to get a end result, we’ll get a very good end result on the Sepang take a look at and from that environment we’ll discuss to the riders concerning the future.”
“I do not need to discuss to them now that they are all anticipating us to step up.
“I’ve completed my homework and I have to set a very good lap time at Sepang.
“Rider really feel is vital. It isn’t simply the lap time, it is how the rider feels once they soar on the bike, whether or not the problems we need to repair are resolved.”
“That is why I really feel I’ve the chance to speak to Pedro concerning the future.”
