As the excitement builds for the Grand Prix of the Americas, the 2025 MotoGP season is heating up at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. Riders are gearing up for an action-packed race weekend, with several key storylines emerging ahead of the event.
Franco Morbidelli and Fabio di Giannantonio, representing the Pertamina VR46 Racing Team, are set to race with a special livery that pays tribute to American culture. This unique design, featuring the iconic stars and stripes of the American flag, is a nod to the National Football League (NFL) and aims to resonate with American fans. "The United States is a special place for MotoGP and for the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team, which here aims to surprise American fans," said a team spokesperson.
In the lead-up to the race, Morbidelli showcased his strong form by topping the first practice session with a time of 2:12.531s. The session, held under challenging wet conditions, saw Morbidelli lead a competitive field, including Jack Miller and Marc Marquez, who finished second and third, respectively. However, Marquez experienced a scare when he crashed at Turn 2 but fortunately walked away uninjured. "It's obviously one of my best circuits, but it's different from Argentina. We will try," Marquez said, emphasizing his determination to perform well.
Meanwhile, Pecco Bagnaia, the reigning champion, has found himself in a tight spot. He clarified recent comments expressing nostalgia for his old Ducati GP24, stating, "I want to get back the feeling of 2024, not the bike of 2024." As he prepares for the race, Bagnaia is currently 31 points behind championship leader Marc Marquez. "Beating him here would be very important," Bagnaia admitted, as he intensifies his training in hopes of closing the gap in the standings.
Bagnaia's teammate, Francesco Bagnaia, also had a solid performance in practice, finishing sixth, just ahead of Alex Marquez. Both riders are keen to make their mark this weekend, with Bagnaia focusing on developing the GP25 and regaining the competitive edge he lost earlier in the season.
On the other hand, Fabio di Giannantonio, who finished fifth in the Argentine GP, is feeling rejuvenated. "I'm coming to Austin much stronger than fifteen days ago and I'll arrive ready and with positive vibes," he expressed. Di Giannantonio is optimistic about his chances, believing that a podium finish is within reach if he continues to work hard with his team.
As for Yamaha, the situation is more precarious. Currently sitting at the bottom of the championship standings with only 13 points, Fabio Quartararo is under pressure to deliver results. "The Sepang tests fooled everyone. Now, everything is unknown," Quartararo remarked, highlighting the struggles of the M1 bike. Team manager Massimo Meregalli is hopeful that the team can honor its legacy at COTA, a track that has historically offered several podiums for Yamaha.
As the riders prepare for the race, the weather is expected to improve, but the conditions during practice have already tested their skills. The slippery surface caught out several riders, including Marc Marquez and Marco Bezzecchi, who both crashed during the session. Despite these challenges, the competition remains fierce, with multiple manufacturers vying for the top spots.
The stakes are high for all the teams as they head into the Grand Prix of the Americas. With the championship standings tightening and the pressure mounting, every rider will be looking to capitalize on this critical race. The Circuit of the Americas is set to provide a thrilling backdrop for what promises to be an unforgettable showdown in MotoGP.
As the weekend unfolds, fans and teams alike will be watching closely to see who can rise to the occasion and secure crucial points in the championship race. With Morbidelli's strong form, Bagnaia's determination, and Quartararo's need for redemption, the stage is set for an exhilarating MotoGP event.
