KTM Promotes Rookie Sensation Pedro Acosta, Leaving Jack Miller Focused on Delivering Strong Results
KTM has announced that Pedro Acosta will join their factory squad next year, replacing Jack Miller. This decision revealed just before the Italian Grand Prix, follows Acosta’s impressive debut season with Tech3 GasGas and a multi-year contract with KTM.
Despite Acosta’s anticipated promotion, the announcement also comes after a challenging 2024 for Miller. The Australian rider has managed only one top-10 finish in the first seven rounds, placing fifth in Portugal after Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia’s collision. Miller currently ranks 16th in the championship with 27 points, lagging behind Acosta’s 101 points and teammate Brad Binder’s 85 points.
Miller, prioritizing strong performances on the RC16 over securing a future contract, expressed no immediate concern over his position. He acknowledged KTM’s decision to promote Acosta, recognizing the rookie’s exceptional talent. Miller remains focused on improving his results, stating, “I’m not keen on signing a ride at this moment. I’d rather have some better results to try and help myself a little bit more.”
Reports indicate that Ducati’s Enea Bastianini is set to join KTM’s roster in 2025, amid ongoing changes in the rider market following Marc Marquez’s move to Ducati’s factory team. KTM plans to field four identical factory bikes next year, though the future role of Herve Poncharal’s GasGas-branded Tech3 squad remains uncertain.
Miller, who joined KTM in 2023 and has significantly contributed to the development of the RC16, expressed willingness to move to the Tech3-run factory-supported GasGas squad in 2025. He emphasized that Tech3 is essentially a factory team, despite its branding, and reiterated his commitment to KTM’s long-term project.
Reflecting on his journey with KTM, Miller stated, “I love the guys at KTM. I think they have done a fantastic job in such a short amount of time. We’ve got four fantastic riders and if they need to reshuffle then they reshuffle and keep going.”
