MARC MARQUEZ SAYS HE TOLD DUCATI ‘THIS IS THE GUY’ AFTER PEDRO ACOSTA LINK

Marc Marquez says his reaction to Ducati’s early interest in signing Pedro Acosta for the 2027 MotoGP season was immediate and unequivocal. Speaking after Acosta’s maiden MotoGP win at the Austrian Grand Prix, Marquez explained that when Ducati first raised the idea of the young Spaniard, he told them—at least in spirit—that Acosta was the right rider to target.

Marquez’s comments came in response to a question about whether he expects to do to Acosta what he has done to many of the teammates he has faced in the past: beat them over the course of a single season. Marquez replied, “I mean… No,” adding that he believes Acosta is capable of challenging him directly. “I think this is the guy who can beat me,” he said.

From Marquez’s perspective, Ducati’s pursuit of Acosta was not something that automatically felt like a betrayal, even if it could be read that way given the intensity of the teammate battle that many fans are already anticipating. He stressed that Ducati and himself have an established relationship and that communication between the parties is ongoing. “Of course, with Ducati, we have a good relationship, and we always speak,” Marquez said.

He then described the moment Ducati first mentioned Acosta. “The first time they said we are thinking about [Pedro], I said, ‘This is the guy.’” Marquez also framed the move as a long-term fit for both rider development and Ducati’s future. “Pedro will be one of the big names next year, and in the future,” he said, pointing to the learning opportunity that comes with riding a Ducati. “He can learn many things; how to ride the Ducati. He will have his style, but I will not change my style.”

Marquez acknowledged the personal stakes of the situation while also underlining his own commitment. “I’m 34 next year, I’m Marc, and I will do my 100%, but let’s see,” he added.

The report also notes that Acosta had been linked with a Ducati ride well before he signed with the factory team, with earlier speculation dating back to 2025. It references claims that Valentino Rossi had promised Acosta a place at VR46 Racing, and it suggests that Acosta’s continued rise—described as overachieving on “sub-optimal KTM machinery” week after week—made him increasingly difficult for Ducati to ignore.

With Acosta’s Austrian breakthrough reinforcing his momentum, Marquez’s message to Ducati boils down to recognition: he believes Acosta can be a serious threat, even if Marquez expects to bring his full effort to the challenge.