Bagnaia’s exit and Acosta’s signature have long been rumoured.
Acosta has signed a two-year deal, putting him in line with Marc Marquez who had also signed a two-year extension at the Bologna outfit.
Acosta won the Moto3 title in his debut season in 2021 and took the Moto2 title in 2023.
He has long been tipped as a future champion, though his two-and-a-half seasons at KTM have yet to bear the fruit of a grand prix win.
“Pedro represents the ideal candidate for the future of the Ducati Lenovo Team,” said Ducati boss Luigi Dall’Igna of the 22-year-old.
“After Marc’s confirmation, we wanted to add a young and fast rider to the Desmosedici GP development project.
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“Pedro, in addition to being an undisputed talent, has demonstrated extraordinary precocity.
“In just under six years in the championship, he has won two titles in the lower classes and achieved truly convincing performances in MotoGP.
“His arrival in the team will be a stimulus for everyone; he will help us grow, and we will support him on the path to full maturity as a rider.
“I am confident that, with the encouragement of our Team and given the right amount of time, his contribution, for sure, will ensure a further step forward in terms of performance and goals.”
It’s expected that KTM will go into 2027 with an all-new line-up consisting of Alex Marquez (from Gresini) and Fabio Di Giannantonio (from VR46).
Bagnaia, meanwhile, is poised to join Marco Bezzecchi at Aprilia. He is set to replace Jorge Martin, who is likely bound for Yamaha.
Bagnaia, who joined Ducati’s roster in 2019 at Pramac, will end his spell at Ducati with two world championships to his name.
As it stands, he has 31 wins, 62 podiums, and 28 pole positions in red.
‘Pecco’ won the 2022 and 2023 titles before being beaten by satellite Ducati rider Martin for Pramac to the 2024 crown.
Since then, the Italian rider has suffered a slump, finishing only fifth in 2025 while teammate Marc Marquez romped to the title with five races to spare.
Bagnaia is seventh midway through the 2026 season and still searching for his first win of the year.
“Pecco is one of those riders with whom the spark ignited immediately,” said Dall’Igna.
“We sought him out and wanted him from a very young age to build a project around him.
“He’s fast and, above all, clever. The goal was to bring the Desmosedici GP to its full potential. We achieved it.
“Thanks to the work of the entire team and the technology, but above all thanks to Pecco’s talent, which, 15 years later, has brought Ducati’s red back to the top of the rankings.
“During all these seasons spent together, we’ve built a mature and solid relationship, founded on gratitude, trust, and respect.
“It’s the same relationship that has allowed us to overcome difficult times, always united.
“Pecco will forever remain a champion in the history of Borgo Panigale and in my personal history as well.
“With Ducati, he fulfilled his childhood dreams, and we achieved ours alongside him.
“In relationships, it’s not always easy to recognise and understand when a cycle has ended and change is needed.
“The deep bond of mutual affection that unites us will not change and will be the key for managing all the races till the end of the season and for closing this journey on a high note.”
MotoGP continues at Assen for the Grand Prix of the Netherlands on June 26-28.
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