MotoGP Sunday Rodeo to remember: Viñales makes history with stunning COTA comeback

The first winner with three factories in the MotoGP™ era is crowned – and after slicing back through from P11 – as Marquez crashes, Acosta stuns and Bastianini grabs a late podium 

Maverick Viñales of Aprilia Racing made history in dramatic fashion at the Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas. Despite a chaotic start that pushed him down to P11, Viñales launched a remarkable comeback, showcasing his exceptional pace. With each lap, he executed daring overtakes, steadily closing in on the podium contenders until he ultimately surged to the front. In a spectacular display of skill and determination, Viñales clinched victory, becoming the first rider to win with three different manufacturers in the MotoGP™ era. The race will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the greatest of all time.

Following closely behind Viñales, Pedro Acosta of Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 secured second place, solidifying his status as a rising star in the premier class. Meanwhile, Enea Bastianini of Ducati Lenovo Team claimed the final spot on the podium after a late charge.

As the race unfolded, Turn 1 set the stage for intense battles throughout the field. Acosta seized the lead with a brilliant start, while Jorge Martin of Prima Pramac Racing engaged in a fierce duel with Jack Miller of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing. However, it was Marc Marquez of Gresini Racing MotoGP™ who initially led the pack before a costly mistake saw him slide out of contention.

With Marquez out of the picture, the race intensified as Viñales mounted his comeback. Despite facing stiff competition, including Martin and Acosta, Viñales showcased his mastery, eventually overtaking them to secure victory.

The excitement didn’t end there, as the battle for positions behind Viñales remained fiercely contested. Ultimately, Bastianini emerged triumphant in the fight for the podium, while Francesco Bagnaia of Ducati Lenovo Team secured fifth place after a challenging weekend.

As the checkered flag waved, Viñales celebrated a historic win, solidifying his status as a force to be reckoned with in MotoGP™. With the Spanish Grand Prix on the horizon, the championship battle is heating up, with Martin leading the standings ahead of Bastianini and Viñales. The stage is set for another thrilling race as the MotoGP™ season continues to deliver unforgettable moments.

RESULT

Garcia denies Roberts the American Dream to take maiden Moto2™ win

In a thrilling display at the Circuit Of The Americas, Sergio Garcia of MT Helmets – MSI emerged as the victor, securing his maiden Moto2™ win. Despite facing stiff competition, Garcia managed to fend off the hometown favorite, Joe Roberts of OnlyFans American Racing, in a nail-biting finish. With this impressive victory, Garcia not only claimed the top spot on the podium but also snatched the Championship lead, propelling the MT Helmets – MSI team into the limelight in only their third Moto2™ race.

The race kicked off with a burst of adrenaline as the Moto2™ contenders charged into the technical turn one. Garcia seized the lead, with Roberts hot on his heels in second, igniting cheers from the American crowd. Meanwhile, pre-season favorite Fermin Aldeguer of Beta Tools SpeedUp encountered early setbacks, dropping down the order amidst the frenzy of the opening lap.

As the race unfolded, the battles intensified throughout the field. Aldeguer swiftly worked his way through the pack, showcasing his resilience and determination. A gripping duel ensued between Aldeguer and his teammate Alonso Lopez, with the SpeedUp riders engaging in fierce but fair combat for fourth place.

While Aldeguer surged forward, Dennis Foggia of Italtrans Racing Team also made significant strides, challenging Roberts for second position. However, Aldeguer’s relentless pursuit paid off as he overtook Foggia, setting his sights on Roberts.

At the front, Garcia maintained a consistent rhythm, building a sizeable lead over his rivals. Despite Roberts’ valiant efforts to close the gap, a mistake at turn 12 dashed his hopes of victory. Nevertheless, Roberts displayed remarkable resilience, securing a second-place finish and celebrating back-to-back podiums on home soil.

Meanwhile, Aldeguer continued his impressive charge, crossing the line in third place, ahead of teammate Lopez. The race concluded with Garcia clinching his well-deserved victory, marking a historic moment for himself and the MT Helmets – MSI team.

As the Moto2™ class heads to Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto for the next round, anticipation is high for another thrilling showdown. With the stage set for more exhilarating battles, fans can expect another sensational race as the season unfolds.

RESULTS

Alonso puts in a masterclass, Holgado vs Piqueras goes to the wire

David Alonso of CFMoto Valresa Aspar Team delivered a masterclass performance at the Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas, dominating from pole position to clinch his second Grand Prix victory of the season in spectacular fashion. While Alonso showcased his prowess at the front, the battle for second place unfolded in dramatic fashion, culminating in a thrilling near-photo finish between Daniel Holgado of Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 and rookie Angel Piqueras of Leopard Racing. Despite a valiant effort from Piqueras, it was Holgado who narrowly secured second place, retaining his position at the top of the Championship standings. Nevertheless, Piqueras’ remarkable podium debut served as a statement of intent on the Texan turf.

Alonso made a blistering start to maintain the lead, with Holgado settling into second position early on. However, the race saw its fair share of incidents, including a collision between Joel Kelso of BOE Motorsports and Holgado, causing momentary disruptions in the pack. Amidst the chaos, Alonso surged ahead, building a comfortable lead over his rivals.

As the laps ticked by, Alonso’s dominance remained unchallenged, while behind him, a fierce battle for second place ensued among Holgado, Piqueras, and their competitors. Despite facing setbacks, including a crash from Taiyo Furusato of Honda Team Asia and a highside from Collin Veijer of Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP, the podium contenders pushed on relentlessly.

With the final lap looming, the gap to Alonso narrowed slightly, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown for the remaining podium spots. In a heart-stopping finale, Holgado, Piqueras, and Ryusei Yamanaka of MT Helmets – MSI fought tooth and nail for position, teasing a nail-biting finish.

Ultimately, it was Holgado who managed to hold off Piqueras by the narrowest of margins, securing his position at the top of the Championship standings. However, Piqueras’ sensational performance earned him a well-deserved maiden Grand Prix podium, showcasing his potential in only his third Grand Prix appearance.

As Alonso celebrated his commanding victory and Holgado maintained his Championship lead, the stage is now set for an epic battle at the Spanish Grand Prix in Jerez. With tensions running high and the competition heating up, Moto3™ fans can expect another thrilling race in just under two weeks’ time.

RESULT

Images Official MotoGP Press Release