Pedro Acosta has “no friends” in Marc Marquez vs Aprilia MotoGP title battle

Future Ducati MotoGP rider Pedro Acosta has made clear that his only focus is on achieving the best results possible in the closing rounds of his KTM career.

As such, he won’t be a “friend” for 2027 team-mate Marc Marquez in his close title battle against the Aprilias.

“No, I mean, no friends around,” Acosta told MotoGP.com’s Elliot York. “At the end, I'm in KTM, and like I say during the season, I will try to bring the best result I can until the last day, and then next year will be another one.

“I will try just to try to bring some podiums back to the factory in these last couple of GPs that normally are tracks that are positive for us.”

Red Bull Ring winner Acosta starts this weekend’s Australian Grand Prix fifth in the World Championship, just one point behind Trackhouse Aprilia’s Ai Ogura and 13 ahead of VR46 Ducati’s Fabio di Giannantonio.

The Spaniard finished on the Sprint podium at Phillip Island last year, then was fifth in the Grand Prix.

“Last year was not bad at all. Sprint podium, top five in the [Grand Prix] race. It true that we were quite far from the winning guy. But anyway, let's see what is going on,” Acosta said.

Aprilia warning

However, he warned that Aprilia, which won both Phillip Island races last season with Bezzecchi and Raul Fernandez, have “made a big step compared to last year, and already here last year they were so fast.

“Let's try to be as close as we can. Also, it’s the last time here in Phillip Island for this, let's try to give a good show to the fans.”

Acosta also plans to take maximum advantage of the forecast unpredictable weather this weekend.

“I hope that a lot of rain comes! Phillip Island is a track where a rider can make some difference, but like I say, Aprilia made a good step last year.

“We will try to be as close as we can, and if it's wet for sure, it will be more funny for the fans.”