Recent rumours have circulated suggesting that Pedro Acosta could join VR46, but the Italian team has now responded.

VR46 has responded to the latest rumours surrounding a shock move that could see Pedro Acosta ride for the Italian team.

The Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider reportedly has an option to join Ducati in 2026 if he breaks his contract with KTM.

The report came from Spanish newspaper AS, which suggests that the switch has “begun to be considered”, but only if KTM cannot show its competitiveness to him.

What do VR46 make of the claims?

Currently, Fabio di Giannantonio and Franco Morbidelli are contracted to VR46 for the 2025 season. However, Moridelli's contract will expire at the end of the current year, leaving a free seat at VR46.

The idea of Acosta joining VR46 will put Morbidelli under pressure to perform if he wants to retain his ride.

Pablo Nieto, team manager of the VR46 MotoGP team, has had his say.

"Most important of all, we have to continue to do our job with Frankie, who is doing an incredible job,” he told the AS newspaper.

“We want to continue with him. Obviously, we think he has incredible potential. But obviously Acosta is a rider who is liked, of course.

“He's a very, very interesting rider, but now is not the time to talk about it. We have to continue to do our job well with the two drivers we have."

Is the deal being negotiated?

Although Acosta's manager told AS that there is an option for Acosta at Ducati in 2026, he has revealed that "Everything is far from being closed" regarding an official deal.

Valera ended up stating that Acosta would like to remain with KTM if they can prove their competitiveness and that the Spaniard is 'committed' to the Austrian manufacturer.

"We hope that things go very well at KTM and we can stay for many years," he explained.

"It depends on KTM. Pedro is committed to the brand and his goal is to win world championships with KTM."