MotoGP Lands in Texas: Can Anyone Stop the Marquez Dominance?
Two rounds down, twenty to go—now, it’s time for the Grand Prix of the Americas! MotoGP arrives in Austin, Texas, where the iconic Circuit of the Americas (COTA) awaits. Leading the charge? None other than Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team), who has had a flawless start to the 2025 season. With two victories already under his belt, he’s sending a clear message to the competition: catch me if you can. The big question remains—can anyone break the Marquez stronghold in the USA?
The Marquez Show: Brothers in Command
One Marquez at the front is tough enough for the competition, but now there are two. Marc is sitting comfortably at the top of the standings, delivering masterclass after masterclass. Meanwhile, younger brother Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) is also off to his best-ever start. He’s even led more Sunday race laps than Marc so far! However, COTA has historically been a more challenging track for him—can he keep the momentum going?
For Marc, the American circuits have been his playground for years. From 2013 to 2018, and again in 2021, he was untouchable on U.S. soil. However, last year, he crashed out while leading, leaving him hungry for redemption. Few challenges in MotoGP are tougher than beating Marc Marquez at COTA—will this be the year someone finally does?
The Challengers: Can They Shake Up the Order?
While Marc has ruled at COTA, plenty of riders are hoping to change the narrative. His Ducati teammate Francesco Bagnaia took pole position and a Sprint win here in 2023. Although he hasn’t clinched a race victory yet in 2025, he’s been consistently on the podium. Taking down Marc at his favorite hunting ground would be a statement win for the reigning two-time world champion.
Maverick Viñales (Red Bull KTM Tech3) won in Austin last year with Aprilia, and now, his former team has new recruit Marco Bezzecchi looking to keep that momentum alive. Viñales’ transition to KTM is still a work in progress, making this weekend an intriguing test. Meanwhile, Enea Bastianini (Red Bull KTM Tech3) is another past COTA winner (2022), and Alex Rins (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP), who won here in both 2019 and 2023, showed strong form in Argentina. And then there’s the exciting rookie Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), who dazzled in only his second MotoGP weekend last year at COTA—can he do it again?
The Dark Horses: Who’s Flying Under the Radar?
Coming off a stellar Argentina round, Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR) is in red-hot form. He’s had solid past results at COTA, and his team has tasted victory here before. Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) has had a tough history at this track, but after a better showing in Round 2, he’s aiming for a top-six finish. Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) showed promise in qualifying last time out but struggled on race day—could Austin be the place where he turns things around?
Jack Miller (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP) had a tricky weekend in Argentina but still managed to score points. With test rider Augusto Fernandez stepping in for the injured Miguel Oliveira at Prima Pramac, it’ll be interesting to see how he fares.
Meanwhile, Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team’s Franco Morbidelli and Fabio Di Giannantonio have ensured their team has secured a top-five finish in every Sprint or Grand Prix so far. Morbidelli’s recent GP podium was his first in nearly 1500 days—could he go even better this time? Honda’s Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol) finally broke back into the top ten last time out, signaling a clear step forward for the manufacturer. His teammate Luca Marini, who secured his first MotoGP podium here two years ago, will be hoping to rediscover that magic.
Rookie Watch: A Fresh Challenge in Austin
After an impressive debut in Thailand but a more challenging Argentina, Ai Ogura heads to COTA looking to regain momentum and crack the top six again. Though he was disqualified in Argentina due to a technical violation, he had physically crossed the line in the top ten—proof that his potential is real. With the Trackhouse team racing on home soil, there’s extra motivation to deliver.
Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) missed out on points in Argentina but has a past Moto2 podium here, which could give him a boost. Fellow rookie Somkiat Chantra (IDEMITSU Honda LCR) is still searching for his first premier-class points and will be eager to make progress in Austin.
COTA: Where Speed Meets Spectacle
Austin may be the self-proclaimed Live Music Capital of the World, but when MotoGP arrives, the roar of engines takes center stage. Will the Marquez brothers continue to set the pace, or will a new star steal the spotlight? One thing’s for sure—it’s going to be an unforgettable weekend.
Don’t miss a second of the action! The Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas Sprint Race kicks off at 15:00 (UTC-5) on Saturday, with the Grand Prix at 14:00 on Sunday.
What’s Happening at COTA?
The weekend is packed with action on and off the track. The official press conference is set for Thursday at 12:00, featuring championship leader Marc Marquez, his brother Alex, podium finisher Franco Morbidelli, and home team Trackhouse’s Ai Ogura.
Plus, the Parts Unlimited MotoAmerica Talent Cup by Motul makes its debut as part of the Road to MotoGP program, with two races scheduled for Saturday. Just like last year, the Sprint podium ceremony will be held in the amphitheater, giving fans a front-row seat to the celebrations.
Get ready for an adrenaline-fueled showdown in Texas!
Moto2™ ready to take on Texas
After an impressive performance in Termas, Jake Dixon (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) rolls into the U.S. with sky-high confidence. Riding the momentum from his podium finish in Argentina – a result he’s tasted before at this very circuit in 2022 – the #96 is eager to replicate his success.
The real test, however, comes from World Championship leader Manuel Gonzalez (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP). The Spaniard, who is determined to keep building on his strong start to 2025, will be on the hunt for more solid points at the Circuit of The Americas. With only one top-10 finish at COTA so far, Gonzalez is clearly aiming for a big step-up this weekend.
Italian rider Celestino Vietti (Team HDR Heidrun) is also riding a wave of confidence after grabbing his first podium on a Boscoscuro. This result has bolstered his belief that he can challenge the frontrunners for a third consecutive race. The Boscoscuro has proven its worth at COTA before, winning the event in 2024 courtesy of Sergio Garcia (QJMOTOR-FRINSA-MSi) – though Garcia won’t be in action this time around.
Aron Canet (Fantic Racing) is fired up and looking to repeat his 2019 COTA victory, aiming for a return to the podium. And let’s not forget the local favorite: Joe Roberts (OnlyFans American Racing). The American, who clinched a P2 finish on home soil last season, will be cheered on by the COTA crowd as he strives for another standout performance while recovering from a wrist injury he suffered last year.
Moto3™ is revving up for an epic showdown in Austin!
Moto3™ is set for a nail-biting showdown in Austin. Unlike the Thai GP, where the battle was decided early, this race came down to the wire. A determined Angel Piqueras (FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSi) clinched victory in Austin, marking his 2025 win at a track where he made his debut podium finish in 2024. Now, the big question: who can challenge the #36?
A strong group of riders is ready to take on the task. Leading the charge is Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo). After a win in Thailand and a P3 in Argentina, Rueda has positioned himself as an early championship contender. Although he missed last year’s race in Austin due to appendicitis, his experience from 2023 should serve him well.
Adrian Fernandez, who finished P2 last time out, is emerging as a real season-long threat and sits as Rueda’s closest challenger. Matteo Bertelle (LEVEL UP MTA Team) is gunning for his third consecutive pole position and a podium finish following his P4 in Argentina. Meanwhile, Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia) just missed the podium last round, so all eyes will be on him to see if he can turn that around in Austin.
Not to be overlooked, Ryusei Yamanaka (FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSi) and David Muñoz (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) are both eager to jumpstart their campaigns after narrowly missing out on American silverware in 2024.
As always, Moto3 promises fierce competition at the Americas GP. Get ready for a weekend full of high-octane, lightweight class action!
Official MotoGP Press Release
