
MotoGP race at the Red Bull Grand Prix of The Americas at the Circuits of The Americas in Austin, Texas on April 14, 2024. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
If you’re going to make history, it's best to do it in style, and Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) certainly did. After a chaotic start that saw him drop to P11, Viñales fought his way back through the field, showcasing his remarkable pace. With pass after pass, he moved into podium contention, eventually threading the needle to take the lead and become the first rider to win with three manufacturers in the MotoGP™ era.
The race at Circuit Of The Americas was filled with drama, featuring thrilling battles for the lead and unexpected crashes, making it a memorable Grand Prix. Viñales' victory was hard-fought and well-deserved. Close behind Viñales, Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) finished second, becoming the youngest rider to secure back-to-back MotoGP™ podiums. Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) completed the podium after a late move on Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing). Meanwhile, Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) crashed out after briefly reclaiming the lead from Acosta, ending his race prematurely.
The race began with 22 riders storming into turn one, where Acosta took the lead after a spectacular launch. However, turn one proved disastrous for both Aprilia Racing riders as Aleix Espargaro and Viñales were shuffled back due to an aggressive move by Martin. Martin's early aggression saw him move into second place by the end of the first lap, closely challenging leader Acosta. Meanwhile, Marc Marquez battled his way into the top five, brushing against Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) at turn 11, though both continued racing.
The crowd roared as Martin overtook Acosta, who then fell to fourth, setting his sights on reigning World Champion Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team). Marc Marquez also joined the fray, attempting to overtake Martin but dropping to fourth after a near-miss contact with him. Martin initially built a lead, but Marquez quickly closed the gap and overtook him at turn 11 with a spectacular move. However, Marquez's lead was short-lived as he crashed out at the same corner, disappointing his American fans.
Viñales then made his charge to the front, recovering from ninth place. He demonstrated resilience and determination, ultimately battling his way to the lead. Viñales overtook Martin and engaged in a thrilling duel with Acosta, securing the lead with eight laps remaining and making history with a one-second lead. Despite Acosta's best efforts, Viñales crossed the finish line first, with Acosta just 1.728 seconds behind, becoming the youngest rider to achieve two consecutive podiums. Bastianini joined them on the podium, narrowly beating Martin. Bagnaia finished fifth, securing solid points.
Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) finished sixth, ahead of Aleix Espargaro. Marco Bezzecchi took eighth place, scoring points for both Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team Ducati machines. Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) recovered to ninth after qualifying 17th, finishing ahead of Raul Fernandez, who rounded out the top 10 at Trackhouse Racing’s home round.
Pos | Rider | Nat | Team | Time/Diff |
1 | Maverick Viñales | SPA | Aprilia Racing (RS-GP24) | 41m 9.503s |
2 | Pedro Acosta | SPA | Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 (RC16) | +1.728s |
3 | Enea Bastianini | ITA | Ducati Lenovo (GP24) | +2.703s |
4 | Jorge Martin | SPA | Pramac Ducati (GP24) | +4.690s |
5 | Francesco Bagnaia | ITA | Ducati Lenovo (GP24) | +7.392s |
6 | Fabio Di Giannantonio | ITA | VR46 Ducati (GP23) | +9.980s |
7 | Aleix Espargaro | SPA | Aprilia Racing (RS-GP24) | +12.208s |
8 | Marco Bezzecchi | ITA | VR46 Ducati (GP23) | +13.343s |
9 | Brad Binder | RSA | Red Bull KTM (RC16) | +14.931s |
10 | Raul Fernandez | SPA | Trackhouse Aprilia (RS-GP23) | +16.656s |
11 | Miguel Oliveira | POR | Trackhouse Aprilia (RS-GP24) | +18.542s |
12 | Fabio Quartararo | FRA | Monster Yamaha (YZR-M1) | +22.899s |
13 | Jack Miller | AUS | Red Bull KTM (RC16) | +24.011s |
14 | Augusto Fernandez | SPA | Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 (RC16) | +27.652s |
15 | Alex Marquez | SPA | Gresini Ducati (GP23) | +32.855s |
16 | Luca Marini | ITA | Repsol Honda (RC213V) | +33.529s |
Marc Marquez | SPA | Gresini Ducati (GP23) | DNF | |
Alex Rins | SPA | Monster Yamaha (YZR-M1) | DNF | |
Joan Mir | SPA | Repsol Honda (RC213V) | DNF | |
Franco Morbidelli | ITA | Pramac Ducati (GP24) | DNF | |
Takaaki Nakagami | JPN | LCR Honda (RC213V) | DNF | |
Johann Zarco | FRA | LCR Honda (RC213V) | DNF |
MotoGP
Grand Prix motorcycle racing is the oldest established motorsport world championship and the premier class of motorcycle road racing events held on road circuits sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM). Grand Prix motorcycles are purpose-built racing machines that are unavailable for purchase by the general public and unable to be ridden legally on public roads. The championship is currently divided into four classes: the eponymous MotoGP, Moto2, Moto3 and MotoE.
Circuit of The Americas
Circuit of The Americas (COTA) is the premier destination for world-class motorsports and entertainment in the United States. Just outside downtown Austin, Circuit of The Americas has hosted the biggest names in racing, action sports and music. At its heart is a 3.41-mile racetrack that was designed to challenge the world's most exacting competitors while providing a thrilling spectacle for audiences.
The 20-turn, counterclockwise circuit takes advantage of the naturally undulating landscape, including an intimidating 133-foot hill at Turn 1. It has hosted the Formula 1 United States Grand Pix, MotoGP Red Bull Grand Prix of The Americas, ESPN's X Games, the FIA World Endurance Championship, IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, Pirelli World Challenge and more. Nestled within the track is Germania Insurance Amphitheater, the largest permanent outdoor amphitheater in Central Texas, and its 251-foot signature observation tower.
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