 |
| Rossi Isn’t Panicking Yet — If Ducati Snatch Pedro Acosta, VR46 Already Has a Backup Plan. |
No Pedro Acosta? No problem. Valentino Rossi is already thinking two steps ahead as the 2027 MotoGP silly season starts heating up.
Valentino Rossi may be chasing Pedro Acosta for his VR46 MotoGP team, but he’s not putting all his eggs in one basket. With Ducati’s factory squad circling, the MotoGP legend has quietly lined up a solid Plan B.
Acosta has been eyeing the exit door at KTM since the middle of the 2025 season. The young Spanish star tried to break free early, but both Dorna and KTM shut that idea down. With his contract running out at the end of 2026, the writing is on the wall — Acosta is expected to land on a Ducati in 2027.
The big question? Which Ducati.
Rossi has made no secret of his interest in the 21-year-old. According to Motorsport Espana, Acosta sits right at the top of Rossi’s wishlist for VR46. But competition is fierce, and it’s coming from inside the Ducati camp itself.
Reports suggest Ducati’s factory team wants Acosta as a long-term replacement for Francesco Bagnaia. Some rumors even claim the deal is already done. If that’s true, VR46 could be left watching from the sidelines.
Still, Rossi isn’t sweating it.
Rossi’s Plan B: Go Young, Go Bold
With Acosta’s management clearly prioritizing a factory ride, Rossi has started looking elsewhere. And as usual, the strategy is all about youth and potential.
VR46 is expected to part ways with Fabio Di Giannantonio and Franco Morbidelli after the 2026 season, meaning the team will roll out an entirely fresh lineup in 2027.
Enter Fermin Aldeguer and David Alonso.
Both riders are seen as rising talents with serious upside. The idea, according to reports, is to bring in two young guns who can grow with the team — very much in line with Rossi’s long-term vision for VR46.
Bottom Line
Missing out on Pedro Acosta would sting, sure. But it’s far from a disaster. Rossi has options, a clear plan, and plenty of time to play the game.
In MotoGP’s wild transfer market, one thing’s certain:
Valentino Rossi is never caught off guard.
