The world of MotoGP is witnessing a significant shift as KTM prepares for a new era. With Pedro Acosta’s departure to Ducati, the Austrian manufacturer is reshuffling its lineup and embracing the challenges of the upcoming 2027 season. This transition comes at a crucial time, as the sport introduces sweeping technical changes, including the adoption of 850cc machinery and Pirelli tyres.
KTM’s motorsport director, Pit Beirer, has openly discussed the emotional impact of Acosta’s decision to leave. The Spanish prodigy has been a part of the KTM family since his Red Bull Rookies Cup days in 2019, achieving remarkable success in Moto3 and Moto2 before moving to MotoGP. Despite this history, Beirer acknowledges that life goes on and new opportunities arise.
KTM’s new lineup for 2027
In a bold move, KTM has secured the services of satellite Ducati talents Alex Marquez and Fabio Di Giannantonio for the 2027 season. Beirer praised the incoming duo, highlighting their impressive skills and recent performance improvements. This new lineup will debut at a pivotal moment for MotoGP, as the series ushers in significant technical changes.
The all-new KTM line-up will debut at a pivotal moment for MotoGP, as the series ushers in sweeping technical changes for 2027, including 850cc machinery and the adoption of Pirelli tyres. Beirer sees this as a golden opportunity for KTM: “We feel this 850 is a perfect restart for KTM. Because in the whole project so far, we never had the chance to really rethink everything and make major changes, for example, in the bike characteristics. Because [normally] the bike is just growing and then you add on development. But now all the learning from, I would say, two bike models, which we had in our short MotoGP career, is packed into the 850. But the 850 also needs also suer strong riders. And I feel this package is getting complete now. We are really looking forward to this.”
The challenges of suspension development in MotoGP
While KTM navigates its lineup changes, other teams are focusing on technical innovations. Ducati, for instance, has been refining a secret MotoGP project that has remained under wraps for some time. This project involves a complex suspension system that has presented both advantages and challenges for the riders.
Öhlins, a key player in the suspension market, develops components for 18 of the 22 teams on the MotoGP grid. The company’s management describes themselves as “almost a single supplier company but with a factory feel.” They emphasize the balance between satisfying each team’s specific needs while maintaining high-level provisions across the board.
For KTM, being in the minority with their suspension kit has its pros and cons. KTM MotoGP Technical Director Seb Risse notes that while there are fewer opportunities to test with fewer bikes on the grid, it allows for faster reactions and quicker supply. However, it also makes it harder to define what comes from the bike, the track, and the suspension itself.
Looking ahead to 2027
As the 2026 season progresses, the focus is already shifting to the challenges and opportunities that 2027 will bring. With the introduction of new technical regulations, teams will need to find creative solutions within the rulebooks. Ducati, with its Corse division led by Gigi Dall’Igna, is already preparing for these changes, combining expertise with youthful talent from prestigious technical universities in Italy.
The second half of the season sees Acosta in seventh place in the world championship standings. Di Giannantonio holds fifth for VR46, while Alex Marquez, who missed three rounds due to injury, is ninth for Gresini. As the sport evolves, these riders and their teams will play crucial roles in shaping the future of MotoGP.
