Rumours of Pedro Acosta joining the VR46 team have been denied by the team manager Uccio Salucci, who said that there’s been no serious conversation about the rising star moving to Rossi’s team. The speculation surrounding the 2023 rookie intensified only recently, with whispers suggesting that Acosta could be a potential target for the satellite Ducati team in 2026. However, Salucci is confident that these claims are uncertain.

Acosta made waves during his debut season and still remains committed to KTM, as he signed a multi-year contract that ensures his place with the Austrian manufacturer until at least 2025. KTM has been part of Acosta’s racing journey since his Moto3 days, and he is widely regarded as one of the best additions in MotoGP. However, recent troubles at KTM have led to increasing speculation about the rider’s future.

The KTM financial crisis has cast a shadow over the brand’s future in MotoGP. The company’s restructuring and self-administration process has raised questions about its sustainability, pushing concerns that Acosta and other KTM riders could look for another team. Among the most talked-about potential moves is a transition to VR46, a team backed by Valentino Rossi, who has a close relationship with the KTM squad, having worked with them on multiple occasions in the past.

One moment that fueled these rumours was Acosta’s participation in the 100Km of Champions event, organized by Rossi earlier this month. However, Salucci has quickly moved to set the record straight, dismissing the rumour as nothing more than speculation.

"I’ve never spoken seriously about Acosta in our team," Salucci clarified. "He’s a fantastic rider, possibly the best talent in MotoGP right now, but it’s simply too early to talk about this. There’s no truth to the rumours of us pursuing him." He also took the opportunity to address the ongoing situation at KTM, emphasizing that the VR46 team has always maintained a good relationship with KTM.

“We’ve had a strong partnership with KTM since 2014, when we started working together in Moto3,” Salucci continued. “We value that relationship deeply, and I don’t like seeing these rumours circulate about them.”

Meanwhile, Acosta himself has been vocal about his dedication to KTM, stating publicly that the ongoing financial troubles will not influence his plans in MotoGP. The company is still navigating a restructuring process, with 23 potential investors reportedly interested in offering financial support. A critical creditors’ meeting is scheduled for February 25, where a vote will take place to decide whether KTM’s restructuring plan can proceed.

Despite KTM’s massive debt, estimated at €2.2 billion, the restructuring process has offered a glimpse of hope. However, the road to stability remains uncertain, and it’s not yet clear how the company’s future will unfold.

As for Acosta, his focus is set on his racing career, and while the financial troubles at KTM continue to make headlines, he remains committed to the team.