Changes at KTM - but could Rossi make a play for Acosta? (ad-free)
Added 2025-01-27 11:36:00 +0000 UTCAs KTM prepares to launch its 2025 MotoGP campaign under the cloud of insolvency, is a series legend trying to lure away the Austrian firm’s greatest asset?
Valentin Khorounzhiy and Simon Patterson discuss reports that Valentino Rossi has sounded out Pedro Acosta over a MotoGP future together during the latter’s appearance at the Ranch.
Is it even possible that Acosta would leave KTM early - and are things actually looking up for its MotoGP project following the latest news from its insolvency process and its recent CEO change announcement?
Plus, with Franco Morbidelli officially ‘debuting’ as a VR46 rider during its own season launch, is it really possible that Rossi would willingly sideline Morbidelli?
Comments
Late to the party - they can’t take Acosta to VR46 - he’s not an academy rider. Wouldn’t that be a huge insult to the academy riders?
Amanda Kirchner
2025-02-04 22:11:45 +0000 UTCHaving given it a microsecond of more thought, instead of Vietti - drop in an in form, rookie Moto2 championship winner David Alonso, who’s cut ties with KTM because of their clear financial trouble and is looking to be on the best bike available! That’s a much harder problem for Frankie to deal with 🤣
Dan Neale
2025-01-28 14:22:44 +0000 UTCSomething that caught my eye/ears(?), was the discussion on morbidelli surrounding his performance relative to last year. Val, you mentioned his last year’s performance was somewhat sustainable, and he’d have to be worse for VR46 to kick him out. He was, in my opinion, far and away the worst of the GP24 riders, and factoring in machinery differences I’d say the 2nd worst Ducati rider in general - only bez ranking worse. If the same were to happen this year for instance - worst of the GP24 riders, behind rookie Aldeguer and Alex Marquez - or, if he was 2nd worst Ducati rider - again maybe only in front of Aldeguer here, would this at look at all decent? I know his close connections to VR46 have got him there, but surely a similar story to last season gets him booted out for a rejuvenated Vietti or someone similar.
Dan Neale
2025-01-28 14:18:32 +0000 UTCNah, 'cause it's not quite a WEC race, it's the American counterpart IMSA. - Val
Val Khorounzhiy
2025-01-27 17:05:53 +0000 UTCWas Rossi racing at Daytona Rolex 24h WEC race?
Stephan Vaast
2025-01-27 17:01:52 +0000 UTCKinda confused by the observation (criticism?) of Rossi's absence as "disengaged". Post-retirement the prevailing word was that there was too much focus on Rossi and for the sport to thrive, others needed the spotlight.
Jay W
2025-01-27 14:50:16 +0000 UTC
