MotoGP heads to Austria as title race tightens at Spielberg

The NASCAR-like sprint of the motorcycle world returns to the Red Bull Ring for a weekend that kicks off on Friday. The Austrian Grand Prix stands as the tenth round of the season, with Jorge Martín pushing a Ducati toward Pecco Bagnaia in a tightly contested MotoGP title chase near the midway point of the year.

With eleven races left on the calendar, the MotoGP World Championship heads to Austria. Bagnaia carries a 41-point lead over Martín. The most recent event in Great Britain produced an unusual result for Bagnaia, who failed to score in the sprint yet rebounded to finish a solid second on Sunday. Alex Espargaró, Brad Binder, and Miguel Oliveira finished strong late, while Martín placed sixth in both races, narrowing Bagnaia’s advantage at a critical moment.

Martín: “I’m faster than Bagnaia but I have to beat him on the track”

This weekend the Austrian circuit hosts a familiar duel that fans follow closely: Bagnaia arrives at Spielberg aiming to replicate past successes, including a Moto2 win in 2018 and two premier-class victories, one coming in 2022. Fabio Quartararo on a Yamaha remained a constant threat in recent seasons until the final laps.

Since the Red Bull Ring joined the calendar in 2016, Ducati has dominated the event, though 2021 saw a win slip away to Brad Binder on a KTM. The Italian marquee remains strong in the current year, with multiple Desmosedici bikes in podium contention. The same possibility could unfold again on Sunday at Spielberg.

Jorge Martín aims to close the gap to Austria’s leader Bagnaia

As Bagnaia’s principal rival, Martín stands out among Spain’s MotoGP contenders. After two early results with zero points, Martín has demonstrated resilient consistency, delivering strong Saturday performances and two race-day wins. His current form places him sixth in the standings, the best position for him this season after a rough start to the campaign.

The gap remains sizable, with riders like Brad Binder pursuing from KTM. Binder logged a podium finish in the most recent race and sits fourth in the standings, and he is the only KTM rider to win at this circuit since its return to the schedule. He is joined by teammates pushing for top results, including Jack Miller, who is striving to regain momentum.

For Marc Márquez and his Repsol Honda squad, the weekend offers a chance to rebuild confidence after the summer break. Márquez has yet to claim a victory at this venue during the current season and is focused on showing progress as he eyes 2024 with renewed energy and momentum.

Austrian MotoGP schedule

Friday, August 18

• Moto3 – P1: 9:00 – 9:35 (CET).
• Moto2 – P1: 9:50 – 9:30 (CET).
• MotoGP – FP1: 10:45 – 11:30 (CET).
• Moto3 – P2: 13:15 – 13:50 (CET).
• Moto2 – P2: 14:05 – 14:45 (CET).

Saturday, August 19

• Moto3 – P3: 08:40 – 9:10 (CET).
• Moto2 – P3: 9:25 – 9:55 (CET).
• MotoGP – FP2: 10:10 – 10:40 (CET).
• MotoGP – Q1: 10:50 – 11:05 (CET).
• MotoGP – Q2: 11:15 – 11:30 (CET).
• Moto3 – Q1: 12:50 – 13:05 (CET).
• Moto3 – Q2: 13:15 – 13:30 (CET).
• Moto2 – Q1: 13:45 – 14:00 (CET).
• Moto2 – Q2: 14:10 – 14:25 (CET).
• MotoGP Sprint Race: 15:00 (CET).

Sunday, August 20

• MotoGP Warmup: 9:45 – 9:55 (CET).
• Moto3 – Race: 11:05 (CET).
• Moto2 – Race: 12:15 (CET).
• MotoGP Race: 14:00 (CET).