MotoGP Returns to Texas for Thrilling 2025 Grand Prix of the Americas

Eight-time champion looks to extend dominance at the Texas circuit while Bagnaia, Viñales and rising stars challenge his reign.

The MotoGP World Championship heads to Austin, Texas, this weekend from the 28th to the 30th of March, for the third round of the 2025 season at the iconic Circuit of the Americas (COTA). 

Since its debut on the calendar in 2013, the 5.513km circuit featuring dramatic elevation changes, 20 turns, and a counterclockwise layout has become a fan and rider favourite, blending high-speed straights with technical sections that test physical endurance. 

Reigning championship leader Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) arrives with a point to prove after crashing out of the 2024 COTA race while leading. The eight-time champion has dominated the circuit historically, winning seven of its 11 editions, and remains the man to beat. However, teammate Francesco Bagnaia, fresh off four consecutive podiums this season, eyes his first COTA victory to challenge Marquez’s stronghold.

Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing) enjoys his strongest season start, having led more laps than his brother Marc in the opening rounds. Yet COTA, where he’s historically struggled, presents a fresh challenge. Maverick Viñales (Red Bull KTM Tech3), the 2024 COTA winner with Aprilia, seeks success on his new KTM machine, while 2022 victor Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) and two-time COTA winner Alex Rins (Monster Energy Yamaha) aim to capitalize on recent momentum.

Rookie Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM) returns to a circuit where he stunned in his 2024 debut, while Johann Zarco (LCR Honda), revitalized after a podium in Argentina, targets another strong outing. Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM) and Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha) look to rebound, with Quartararo’s teammate Jack Miller replaced by test rider Augusto Fernandez due to Miguel Oliveira’s injury.

Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing’s Franco Morbidelli, fresh off his first podium in four years, and Fabio Di Giannantonio remain dark horses, while Honda’s Joan Mir and Luca Marini seek consistency. Ai Ogura (Trackhouse Racing), disqualified in Argentina but impressive in his rookie season, headlines the U.S. team’s homecoming alongside Raul Fernandez.

With resurgent rivalries, rookie intrigue, and COTA’s unpredictable challenges, the 2025 Grand Prix of the Americas promises high-stakes drama as riders vie for glory on one of MotoGP’s most demanding stages.