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The Austrian manufacturer is confident that the young Spaniard will be a future star in the premier class, but will not put undue pressure on him in his rookie season.
Pedro Acosta celebrates his Moto2 title
Pedro Acosta is one of the most exciting talents in motorcycle racing, having won two world titles in three years.
The 20-year-old Spaniard dominated the Moto3 class in 2021, becoming the first rookie to win the title since Loris Capirossi in 1990.
He then moved up to Moto2 in 2022, and despite some early struggles and injuries, he bounced back to claim the crown with two races to spare, becoming the youngest intermediate class champion since Dani Pedrosa in 2004.
Acosta has been under contract with KTM since 2020, when he joined the Red Bull KTM Ajo team in the Moto3 class.
He has remained loyal to the Austrian manufacturer, and has accepted the offer to move up to MotoGP in 2024, following the footsteps of his mentor and idol, Marc Marquez.
KTM is delighted to have secured the services of Acosta, who they believe will be a key part of their future plans in the premier class.
However, they are also aware of the challenges and expectations that come with such a big step, and they are determined to give him the best possible support and guidance.
"We are very happy and proud to have Pedro in our family, he is a special talent and a great person," KTM motorsport director Pit Beirer said.
"He has shown incredible skills and maturity in Moto3 and Moto2, and we are confident that he will be able to adapt and perform in MotoGP as well.
"But we also know that MotoGP is a very tough and competitive category, and we don't want to put too much pressure on him in his first season.
"We want him to enjoy the experience, learn from the best, and grow as a rider and as a person.
"We will give him all the tools and support he needs, and we will be patient and realistic with him.
"We have a long-term project with him, and we are not in a hurry."
Acosta will join the factory KTM team in 2024, alongside current rider Miguel Oliveira, who has extended his contract until 2025.
The Portuguese rider, who has won four races for KTM in MotoGP, will be a valuable teammate and mentor for Acosta, as he will share his knowledge and experience with the young Spaniard.
Acosta, who is currently preparing for his MotoGP debut with some testing sessions, said he is looking forward to the challenge and the opportunity to race with his idols.
"I am very excited and grateful to KTM for giving me this chance to move up to MotoGP, it is a dream come true for me," Acosta said.
"I have always admired KTM and their philosophy, and I feel very comfortable and happy with them.
"I know it will be a big challenge, and I will have to work hard and learn a lot, but I am ready and motivated.
"I have a great teammate in Miguel, who I respect and trust, and I hope we can help each other and push each other.
"I also can't wait to race with the best riders in the world, especially Marc, who is my idol and my reference.
"I have a lot of respect for him, and I hope I can learn from him and maybe fight with him someday."
Acosta will make his MotoGP debut at the Qatar Grand Prix on March 10, 2024, where he will face the likes of Marquez, Fabio Quartararo, Joan Mir, Jack Miller and Francesco Bagnaia.
