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Pedro Acosta explains why he's glad' for distance ahead of Ducati Lenovo switch for 2027 MotoGP season - 'Never had friends in the paddock' By Ben Morse React to this story Pedro Acosta is seen as one of the rising stars in MotoGP and earlier this summer, it was announced the 22-year-old would join Ducati Lenovo at the end of the season to become Marc Marquez's team-mate. Acosta leaves KTM Tech3 after six years with the team, and from 2027, will share the garage with defending champion Marquez, arguably one of the best riders in the sport's history. But Acosta is not one for making friends in his industry - something he believes gives him an edge. "I've never had friends in the paddock, and I'm glad that’s the case because, that way, I don't have any qualms about overtaking anyone," the Spaniard told Motorsport.com. "In the past, the big rivalries - Rossi-Biaggi, Crivilla-Doohan, Rossi-Marquez - weren't easy relationships. Maybe that's the spicy ingredient MotoGP is missing right now." Acosta replaces Francesco Bagnaia as Marquez's team-mate at Ducati, with Bagnaia completing an all-Italian line-up with Aprilia Racing, linking up with Marco Bezzecchi. In the interview, Acosta also expressed his admiration for Marquez's mental fortitude and his excitement about being team-mates from next season. But when asked whether he would describe himself as the "black sheep" of MotoGP for keeping himself separate from the usual camaraderie amongst riders, Acosta suggested that "perhaps I'm the guy who doesn't follow the prevailing trend." "I understand that most riders are close to one another and that you can have a conversation with any of them," he explained. "But we're all here chasing the same dream, and it's very difficult to have a sincere relationship with someone who wants exactly the same thing as you. "To fulfil his dream, that rival would be capable of killing anyone - at least in sporting terms. And if I can't be sincere with you, I'd rather take a step back and keep a certain distance." So far this season, Acosta sits seventh in the overall standings, 77 points off the current leader, Jorge Martin of Aprilia. Marquez, meanwhile, is fourth, 40 points behind his Spanish compatriot. - Fernandez claims surprise Grand Prix Great Britain win as Martin extends title lead - Hodgson lauds 'class act' Fernandez and predicts tight Ducati v Aprilia battle at Aragon Acosta's move to Ducati is a huge coup for the Italian manufacturer, tying down one of the hottest prospects on the grid and possibly the heir to Marquez's throne. Acosta explained his decision to leave KTM as wanting a "new challenge" that "gives me a bit of a spark again." He said that he was "quite happy" about joining Ducati, and is feeling unencumbered by any expectations. "I have no idea what I'm going to find in that garage, but I don't feel any pressure," he said. "Marc is in the final stage of his career and I’m just starting mine. "He knows everyone at the factory and I will need time to adapt to a completely Italian garage after six years at KTM. I'm facing a completely new chapter, so I don’t feel any pressure. "Luckily, I'll be there for at least two years, so I'll have time to get up to speed in the first one and see what happens in the second." Watch and stream every race of the 2026 MotoGP season live on TNT Sports and HBO Max. Related Topics