MotoGP 2024 is already underway, and it’s building up to be an exciting season like never before. If Qatar GP is anything to go by, we are going into nail-biting finishes throughout the season. MotoGP Austin 2024 is coming in fast, and with such an eventful race setting up the mood, it would be a no-brainer not to attend the American GP this year. If you are planning to, we have got you covered! Here’s everything you need to know:
What Makes the MotoGP 2024 Schedule So Exciting?
MotoGP is the pinnacle of motorcycle racing. Almost every leading manufacturer in the motorcycle industry is a manufacturer in the race. They also continue to push the boundaries of their prototype machines, which are built for just one thing – race! While aerodynamic changes have drastically changed their appearance, MotoGP and on-track action remain the same. But what makes the 2024 MotoGP season special?
Same Same But Different
For starters, reigning MotoGP champion Francesco Bagnaia and his main title rival from 2023, Jorge Martin, are both up to speed. While Martin claimed the pole position, and the sprint race win at Qatar, Bagnaia bagged the feature race win. Bagnaia leads the title charge once again with 31 points, with Martin in third with 28 points as they head to Portimao for the second race.
The South African Bru
Brad Binder continues his dominant performance on board the KTM factory bike and splits the title rivals in the feature race. With a second-place finish in both the sprint and feature race, he is now second in the championship standings with 29 points. KTM has also added more grunt to their RC16 this year. This has helped them go head-to-head on the straights with Ducati’s top end – a mesmerizing feat by itself!
Return of the Ant
Marc Marquez will be returning to MotoGP Austin 2024 with redemption in his mind. However, this time, he will be onboard a Ducati Desmosedici – a bike that’s different from his Repsol Honda. With seven race wins, including six consecutive race wins from 2013 to 2018, Marc is the most successful MotoGP rider in history at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA). Factory Honda’s miserable run of form of late has, of course, hampered either his participation or his performance in recent years. However, if the Marc Marquez we saw in Qatar comes back to COTA, expect fireworks at MotoGP Austin 2024.
Rise of the Shark
Pedro Acosta is a rookie in MotoGP, but he is still the reigning Moto2 World Champion. From his days in the Red Bull Rookies Cup to Moto3 and Moto2, he has adapted faster than just about anyone in the paddock right now. Therefore, it’s no surprise that he is billed as the next big thing, aka, the next ‘Marc Marquez’! While we got a glimpse of the past and present locking horns at Qatar, it remains to be seen how Acosta will develop. A showdown between the Ant and the Shark at COTA? Book your tickets now and leave your parking near COTA with us!
Smaller Margins & Faster Bikes
MotoGP bikes are getting more and more aerodynamic and powerful by the year. The engine capacity has remained the same, but the acceleration keeps on improving. The pole position lap at the Qatar GP of 2023 was a 1:51.762 set by Luca Marini. Jorge Martin smashed this lap time with the fastest timed lap in Lusail – 1:50.789! Ducati also no longer looks invincible like the last season. KTM and Aprilia have caught up, and the Japanese duo of Honda and Yamaha are improving their development. Expect a hard-fought win, regardless of whoever wins the MotoGP Austin 2024 race.
How Can I Watch MotoGP 2024 Austin in the USA?
The Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas, has been the proud host of the United States Grand Prix for quite some time now. While Formula One hosts three races in the US and one race in Canada, MotoGP only travels to North America once every year. Basically, you don’t get another chance if you miss the chance to watch the Austin GP.
How Much Are MotoGP Tickets in Austin?
MotoGP ticket prices depend on multiple factors, like the type of tickets you purchase and the days you decide to go. As Fridays only have practice sessions across the three classes, they tend to be cheaper. Another alternative to bag cheap rates for MotoGP tickets for the Austin GP would be to go for one-day passes instead of weekend passes.
If you still want to know the MotoGP ticket prices in Austin, we’ve got you covered. Single-day tickets are at the lower end of the spectrum and start at prices as low as $39. Both general admission tickets and reserved grandstand seating will have a slight difference in the overall prices. Fridays are the cheapest and start at $39+, but it goes up for Saturday to $49+ and $59+ for Sundays.
Three-day weekend tickets cost a bit more, but they are much more value for money and start at $89. Three-day weekend tickets are available for purchase as General Admission tickets, Grandstand, and Bleachers. Visit the official Circuit of the Americas website for more information.
When Is the MotoGP Race at Austin?
The MotoGP 2024 Austin race is scheduled to take place from April 12 – April 14, 2024. On-track action will kickstart on Friday, April 12, with the Moto3 Free Practice from 9 AM – 9:35 AM local time. This will be followed up by Moto2 Free Practice from 9:50 AM – 10:30 AM. MotoGP bikes will take to the track for the first time at the COTA by 10:45 AM.
The more exciting sessions will take place on Saturday and Sunday, with MotoGP Qualifying 1 from 10:50 AM – 11:05 AM on April 13. Qualifying 2 is scheduled to take place from 11:15 AM – 11:30 AM. The Sprint race will take place later in the day, from 15:00 local time, and will feature 10 laps across COTA. The feature race is scheduled to take place on April 14, Sunday at 14:00 local time.
Please note that the times of sessions are subject to changes due to circumstances that are beyond the control of the organizers.
Where Is the Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas Held?
Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas, also known as MotoGP 2024 Austin, is the only race in North America for the 2024 FIM MotoGP World Championship. The race will take place between April 12 – 14, 2024, at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA), Austin, Texas. If you are planning to visit COTA during race week, we suggest you pre-book offsite parking near COTA ahead of time through Way.
Wrapping Up
MotoGP and Formula One are the pinnacle of motorsports and have been so for quite some time now. However, F1 has been more or less a one-horse race in recent years due to the domination of Red Bull Racing and reigning world champion Max Verstappen. On the contrary, MotoGP titles have gone to the wire and were decided on the last race in 2023.
What makes it even more exciting is that the two title rivals, Bagnaia and Martin, both raced on a Ducati. However, Bagnaia was onboard a factory machine and Martin on a satellite bike. 10 years back, satellite teams (teams that buy bikes from factory teams, usually a year-old machine) barely made it into the top 10 in a race. Now, we have them challenging for a world championship, which showcases how far the development has come in MotoGP!
The competition in MotoGP is closer than ever. Bikes are getting faster by the day, and the gap is only going to get even smaller. COTA has never disappointed in delivering an edge-of-the-seat experience. With all the protagonists up to speed, we can rest assured that the 2024 Austin GP will be a thriller!
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