MotoGP Sprint race at the Red Bull Grand Prix of The Americas at the Circuits of The Americas in Austin, Texas on April 13, 2024. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) clinched his second consecutive Tissot Sprint victory! Starting from pole with a lap record, Viñales dominated the Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas, leaving Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) to fight for second. This marks the first time Marquez has both finished and been beaten at this venue, excluding his dramatic 2022 race where he dropped to last at the start.
The battle for second saw the eight-time World Champion Marquez contending with rookie Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) and then Championship leader Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing). Marquez held his ground, while Martin overtook Acosta before the finish. Despite potential for dramatic moves at Turn 1, the Sprint started cleanly, especially for Viñales, who surged ahead. Marquez passed Acosta at Turn 1, with the trio staying ahead of Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) and Martin. Reigning World Champion Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) fell to 10th after a poor start, while Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) charged through the field from 17th towards the points.
At the front, Viñales pushed the Aprilia RS-GP to its limits, building a lead of over a second. Acosta began pressuring Marquez, while Martin passed Bastianini and joined the chase. The battle for second was intense, with Acosta briefly overtaking Marquez on lap six before being repassed. Martin then overtook Acosta for third. Bagnaia recovered to ninth, passing Franco Morbidelli (Prima Pramac Racing). Jack Miller (Red Bull Factory Racing) battled in sixth with Bastianini after starting 11th. On the final lap, Viñales had a comfortable two-second lead, securing his second consecutive Sprint win ahead of Marquez and Martin.
Bastianini finished P6, leading a tight battle. He held off Jack Miller, with Bagnaia following after a challenging race. Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse Racing) took the final Sprint point, just ahead of Franco Morbidelli in his first top ten of the year. Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) retired early due to technical issues, while Augusto Fernandez (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3), Joan Mir (Repsol Honda Team), Takaaki Nakagami (Idemitsu Honda LCR), and Johann Zarco (Castrol Honda LCR) crashed out but were uninjured.
Pos | Rider | Nat | Team | Time/Diff |
1 | Maverick Viñales | SPA | Aprilia Racing (RS-GP24) | 20m 27.825s |
2 | Marc Marquez | SPA | Gresini Ducati (GP23) | +2.294s |
3 | Jorge Martin | SPA | Pramac Ducati (GP24) | +4.399s |
4 | Pedro Acosta | SPA | Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 (RC16)* | +6.480s |
5 | Aleix Espargaro | SPA | Aprilia Racing (RS-GP24) | +6.657s |
6 | Enea Bastianini | ITA | Ducati Lenovo (GP24) | +8.621s |
7 | Jack Miller | AUS | Red Bull KTM (RC16) | +9.237s |
8 | Francesco Bagnaia | ITA | Ducati Lenovo (GP24) | +9.349s |
9 | Raul Fernandez | SPA | Trackhouse Aprilia (RS-GP23) | +9.637s |
10 | Franco Morbidelli | ITA | Pramac Ducati (GP24) | +9.894s |
11 | Miguel Oliveira | POR | Trackhouse Aprilia (RS-GP24) | +10.364s |
12 | Brad Binder | RSA | Red Bull KTM (RC16) | +10.724s |
13 | Marco Bezzecchi | ITA | VR46 Ducati (GP23) | +11.549s |
14 | Alex Marquez | SPA | Gresini Ducati (GP23) | +15.468s |
15 | Fabio Quartararo | FRA | Monster Yamaha (YZR-M1) | +15.574s |
16 | Alex Rins | SPA | Monster Yamaha (YZR-M1) | +18.146s |
17 | Luca Marini | ITA | Repsol Honda (RC213V) | +22.989s |
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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