The MotoGP World Championship roared back into action this weekend as the third round of the 2025 season kicked off at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas. The first free practice session (FP1) and the practice session for the Grand Prix of the Americas took place on Friday, March 28, 2025, setting the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating weekend of racing.
Friday's FP1 for MotoGP commenced at 4:45 PM local time, and it was a crucial opportunity for riders to acclimatize to the COTA track, which is known for its challenging layout and elevation changes. The session was followed by the practice session, which began at 9:00 PM local time, aimed at finalizing setups ahead of the all-important qualifying rounds.
Marc Márquez, riding for Ducati, emerged as the standout performer in the early sessions. After dominating the previous two races in Thailand and Argentina, Márquez is keen to maintain his winning momentum in Austin. He currently leads the championship standings with 74 points, followed closely by his brother Álex Márquez with 58 points and Francesco Bagnaia, who sits third with 43 points. The younger Márquez has been impressive, consistently finishing in the top positions, and is eager to challenge his brother for the title.
Despite the excitement surrounding the Márquez brothers, the weekend is tinged with disappointment for reigning champion Jorge Martín, who remains sidelined due to an injury. Martín's absence means that Lorenzo Savadori, who is still recovering from his own fitness issues, will step in to replace him once again.
The schedule for the Grand Prix of the Americas is packed with action. On Saturday, March 29, 2025, the second free practice sessions for Moto3, Moto2, and MotoGP will take place, followed by the qualifying rounds and the sprint race for MotoGP. The Moto3 FP2 is set to start at 2:40 PM, followed by Moto2 FP2 at 3:25 PM, and the crucial MotoGP FP2 at 4:10 PM. The qualifying rounds will kick off with MotoGP Q1 at 4:50 PM, leading into Q2 at 5:15 PM, where the top riders will battle for pole position.
As the anticipation builds, fans are eager to witness whether Márquez can extend his winning streak. His history at COTA is impressive; he has claimed victory at this venue seven times, showcasing his adeptness at navigating its curves and straights. However, the competition is fierce, with riders like Bagnaia and Álex Márquez eager to capitalize on any mistakes.
The sprint race for MotoGP is scheduled for 9:00 PM, consisting of 12 laps that promise high-octane action as riders jostle for points and positioning ahead of the main race on Sunday. The main MotoGP race will take place at 9:00 PM on March 30, 2025, where riders will complete 20 laps, and fans are expecting a thrilling showdown.
Viewers in Spain can catch all the action live on DAZN, which holds exclusive broadcasting rights for MotoGP. The platform offers comprehensive coverage, including practice sessions, qualifying, and races, ensuring fans do not miss a moment of the excitement. Additionally, for those who prefer traditional television, the races will also be available on Movistar Plus.
The Circuit of the Americas has been a staple in the MotoGP calendar since its inception in 2012 and boasts a capacity of approximately 120,000 spectators. With a length of 5.513 kilometers, it features 20 turns and two main straights, providing ample opportunities for overtaking and thrilling racing action. The atmosphere is electric as fans flock to the venue, eager to witness their favorite riders in action.
As the MotoGP weekend unfolds, all eyes will be on Márquez as he aims to solidify his position as the championship leader, while his competitors look to challenge his dominance. The stakes are high, and the excitement is palpable as the riders prepare for what promises to be a memorable Grand Prix of the Americas.
