The MotoGP rider market for the 2026 season is heating up intensely, with Honda reportedly throwing a massive financial lure at the sport’s latest sensation, Pedro Acosta. Following the Qatar Grand Prix weekend, fresh reports have emerged detailing Honda’s aggressive pursuit of the young Spanish talent.
Acosta, currently under contract with KTM for 2026, has become a central figure in speculation surrounding rider movements for the upcoming season. The reigning Moto2 and former Moto3 World Champion has already been linked with potential moves to Ducati and Yamaha. However, it’s Honda who have reportedly tabled a particularly enticing offer in their bid to return to the pinnacle of MotoGP.
According to reports from Motosan, Honda is considering Acosta as a potential replacement for Luca Marini, whose contract with the Japanese manufacturer expires at the end of the current 2025 season. The Spanish publication further claims that Honda has presented Acosta with a staggering three-year contract worth €30 million.
Honda’s ambition to reclaim their position at the front of the MotoGP grid is no secret. With significant ongoing development of their RC213V machine, targeting a rider of Acosta’s caliber, widely regarded as the “next big thing” in the MotoGP paddock, aligns perfectly with their long-term strategy. Securing Acosta would represent a major coup for Honda, injecting fresh talent and excitement into their factory team.
Intriguingly, this high-profile rumor surrounding Acosta coincides with similar speculation linking World Superbike Champion Toprak Razgatlioglu to a potential MotoGP switch with Honda for the 2026 season. This suggests a clear and ambitious recruitment drive by Honda to bolster their rider lineup with proven talent and future potential.
Pedro Acosta’s Impressive Start to the 2025 Season:
While the speculation about his future intensifies, Pedro Acosta is currently focused on his sophomore season in the premier MotoGP class. 2025 marks his debut year within the prestigious Red Bull KTM Factory Racing garage, stepping up from the Tech3 GasGas Factory Racing team where he impressed as a rookie in 2024.
Acosta’s transition to the factory KTM team signifies the high regard in which he is held within the KTM structure. His raw speed, aggressive riding style, and ability to adapt quickly to the demands of MotoGP have already turned heads. While specific results from the early 2025 season were not detailed in the provided article, Acosta’s consistent performances and flashes of brilliance in his rookie year have undoubtedly made him a prime target for rival manufacturers like Honda.
Additional Information on Honda’s MotoGP Efforts:
Honda’s struggles in recent MotoGP seasons are well-documented. The once-dominant manufacturer has faced a performance deficit compared to their European rivals. This has led to a significant overhaul in their approach, including increased investment in research and development and a renewed focus on attracting top-tier riders.
The potential signing of a rider like Pedro Acosta would not only bring immediate talent to the team but also serve as a powerful statement of intent to the wider MotoGP community. It would signal Honda’s commitment to returning to winning ways and their willingness to invest heavily in securing the best possible riders.
The €30 million figure being reported highlights the desperation and ambition of Honda to secure Acosta’s services. This level of financial commitment underscores their belief in his potential to be a future MotoGP champion and the rider who can spearhead their resurgence.
The coming months will be crucial in determining whether Honda’s lucrative offer can sway Acosta away from his existing KTM contract and whether the allure of being part of Honda’s rebuilding project will outweigh the stability and familiarity of his current situation. The MotoGP rider market for 2026 promises to be one of the most intriguing in recent memory, with the future of young stars like Pedro Acosta at the center of the storm.