What happens when Marc Marquez and Pedro Acosta ride in the same team? Livio Suppo is convinced that this combination could even help Marquez
A possible future dream team at Ducati is already causing discussion: Marc Marquez and Pedro Acosta side by side. Nothing is official yet, but there are many indications that Marquez will extend his contract and Acosta will switch from the KTM to the Ducati factory team in 2027.
For Livio Suppo, this would not be an explosive mix, but a productive one. “If you look at Pedro’s career, you can see that he is one of the very special ones,” said the former team manager to GPOne.com about the KTM rider.
Despite setbacks, Acosta has repeatedly demonstrated exceptional talent. His start to the 2026 MotoGP season – he is currently third in the World Championship – is “absolutely commendable”.
Suppo also sees a clear development in the 21-year-old Spaniard: after mentally difficult phases, Acosta has now found his focus. “He has got this thought out of his head and is concentrating on what he has,” he says.
Historical role model: Rossi vs. Lorenzo
For the dynamic between Marquez and Acosta in a top team like Ducati, Suppo draws a prominent comparison: Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo at Yamaha.
“It’s like when Yamaha put Lorenzo next to Valentino.” Rossi was initially critical of the situation, but benefited from it in the long term: “Jorge has extended his career. He won two more world championship titles.”
“A young team-mate rejuvenates you”
A similar effect is also conceivable for Marquez. Suppo is convinced: “Having a young, super-fast rider next to you rejuvenates you.” The pressure of competition within the team brings back lost fighting spirit. “It awakens that spirit that you perhaps lose a little over the years,” he believes.
That’s why he sees no reason for tension: “I don’t see why Marc should be angry about it – quite the opposite.” From Suppo’s point of view, a duel with Acosta could even help Marquez to prolong his career at the highest level.
