The thrill of the Austrian Grand Prix 2023 at the Red Bull Ring may have subsided, but the MotoGP world is already buzzing with anticipation for the upcoming clash at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Spielberg witnessed a masterclass performance from Ducati’s Pecco Bagnaia, who not only won the race but also expanded his championship lead. As the tension in the championship escalates, the racers are readying themselves for another round of intense competition, aiming to grab vital points and reinforce their standings. In the lead-up to the Barcelona face-off, we will provide a fresh breakdown of the implications of the Austrian GP results, along with the latest betting odds and strategic advice to refine your betting approach.
For those who thrive on the exhilaration of MotoGP, the 2023 Austrian Grand Prix was a showcase of insightful betting. As the season unfolds, stay connected to our expert commentary, which will include exclusive odds before the race, thorough evaluations, and indispensable recommendations to aid you in making astute betting choices.
Schedule and How to Watch the 2023 MotoGP Barcelona Grand Prix
The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is gearing up to host a slew of MotoGP events from September 1st to 3rd, all culminating in the main spectacle: the Barcelona Grand Prix. For a detailed view of the weekend’s events, refer to the official MotoGP Barcelona Grand Prix schedule. For enthusiasts who can’t be at the venue in person, be sure to check the official MotoGP website for viewing options. (Note: While live broadcasts might be limited in certain regions, including the US, you can still catch comprehensive race highlights and updates on the website!) If betting is on your agenda, don’t forget to follow the live action and keep an eye on NXTbets for updates on odds and prices.
Best Bets and Picks for the 2023 MotoGP Barcelona Grand Prix
With a range of betting options available, from Event Winner to Head-to-Head bets, bettors are presented with a wide spectrum of wagering opportunities. Here are our top picks and dark horse selections for this event:
Top Picks and Bets
Driver
Event Winner Odds
Francesco Bagnaia
+408
Marco Bezzecchi
+468
Jorge Martin
+619
Luca Marini
+1011
Alex Marquez
+1063
Francesco Bagnaia, who secured a crucial victory at the Red Bull Ring, is the favorite with odds of +408. This win not only bolstered his championship lead but also cemented his status as a top contender for the Event Winner at the Barcelona GP.
Marco Bezzecchi, with odds of +468, is another strong contender. He finished third in the Austrian GP, showcasing his ability to compete at the highest level and making him a sensible pick for the Barcelona race.
Jorge Martin, despite finishing 7th in the Austrian GP, is still in the mix with odds of +619. He is currently second in the championship standings, trailing Bagnaia by 62 points. This gap underscores the importance of a strong finish in Barcelona for Martin.
Luca Marini and Alex Marquez, with odds of +1011 and +1063 respectively, are the dark horses in this race. Marini finished fourth in the Austrian GP, indicating his potential to upset the odds. Alex Marquez, on the other hand, finished fifth in the Austrian GP, making him a compelling option for those looking for value bets. While Bagnaia and Bezzecchi are the favorites, the recent performances of Marini and Marquez suggest that they could provide a surprise in the Barcelona GP.
Outsider Picks
Driver
Event Winner Odds
Payout on $20
Johann Zarco
+1090
$238.00
Aleix Espargaro
+1487
$314.40
Miguel Oliveira
+1513
$322.60
The outsider picks, although less favored, present an enticing opportunity for a lucrative payout. Johann Zarco, with odds of +1090, stands as a tempting choice that could lead to a $238.00 windfall from a $20 bet. Despite a less than stellar performance at the Austrian GP, finishing outside the top 10, Zarco holds a respectable fifth place in the championship standings, indicating his potential to rebound in Barcelona.
Aleix Espargaro, at +1487 odds, represents another intriguing prospect, with a $20 bet potentially yielding $314.40. Espargaro secured a ninth-place finish at the Austrian GP and currently ranks seventh in the championship standings. While he has yet to claim a podium spot this season, his consistent performances make him a worthwhile consideration.
Lastly, Miguel Oliveira, with the longest odds among the outsiders at +1513, offers a chance for a $322.60 return on a $20 bet. Although Oliveira finished outside the top 10 in Austria, he has managed a podium finish this season, demonstrating his capacity for strong performances.
While the outsider picks come with their share of risks, each rider has demonstrated moments of brilliance throughout the season, suggesting the potential for a surprise outcome at the Barcelona GP. As with any betting endeavor, it is essential to weigh the potential rewards against the risks involved carefully.
Head-To-Head Picks
For the upcoming race at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, certain matchups are particularly riveting. Taking into account recent performances, track records, and the specific traits of the circuit, we’ve analyzed some of the most captivating head-to-head matchups for the Barcelona GP:
Matchup(Favorite in Bold)
Odds
Francesco Bagnaia v. Jorge Martin
-170
Alex Marquez v. Luca Marini
-127
Maverick Vinales v. Alex Marquez
-126
Aleix Espargaro v. Miguel Oliveira
-140
Marco Bezzecchi v. Jorge Martin
-138
Augusto Fernandez v. Takaaki Nakagami
-178
Maverick Vinales v. Aleix Espargaro
-131
Brad Binder v. Jack Miller
-144
Enea Bastianini v. Fabio Quartararo
+1011
Expert Pick for the MotoGP Barcelona
Our top pick for the Barcelona GP is Marco Bezzecchi at +468. Coming off a strong podium finish at the Austrian GP, Bezzecchi is in prime form and currently sits third in the championship standings. While there are riders with shorter odds, Bezzecchi offers a great balance of risk and reward. A bet on Bezzecchi provides a solid chance for a sizable return without venturing too far into longshot territory.
Where to Bet on the 2023 MotoGP Barcelona Grand Prix
Bets for the 2023 MotoGP Barcelona Grand Prix can be placed at our partner sportsbooks. Don’t forget to check the latest odds and promotions before placing your MotoGP bets.
The upcoming event at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is set to be a thrilling spectacle for MotoGP fans and bettors alike. Whether you’re placing your bets on the proven leaders or rolling the dice on the underdogs, this race promises to deliver not only top-notch racing action but also fascinating betting opportunities.
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Francesco Bagnaia and Ducati reported clear technical progress this season, driven by electronics tweaks and balance changes that improved starts and front-end feeling. Bagnaia said Ducati were “getting closer” to fixing poor race starts and credited a package of changes introduced since the start of the season, including modified electronics and substantial balance adjustments. He welcomed the removal of some launch-control devices on safety and electronics grounds and said electronics tweaks at Mugello improved off-the-line pace, though he added that starts had weakened compared with 2024. He described the team as having “lost their way” last year and said Ducati had steadily progressed since the Jerez tests. He expected other teams to follow similar development paths but cautioned Ducati remained vulnerable compared with Honda, which he identified as having the best race starts, and acknowledged Aprilia’s systems progress.
On track, balance changes helped immediately. Bagnaia said shifting his weight forward restored front-end feeling, a set-up tweak he highlighted in an Inside Ducati video and in parc fermé comments to crew chief Cristian Gabarrini. The change helped him lead the opening half of the Italian Grand Prix at Mugello, including ten laps at the front, and secure a third-place finish — his first on-track podium of the season and his first consecutive podiums in nearly 12 months. He held off late pressure from Ai Ogura after Ogura posted a rapid penultimate lap, and he battled Aprilia riders Marco Bezzecchi and Jorge Martin during the race.
Bagnaia and others suffered high rear-tyre wear late in the race. He described rear grip as “the only thing I’m lacking,” and reports from Mugello showed rear degradation forced both Bagnaia and Marc Marquez to drop pace, with Marquez saying he “gave up with 10 laps to go.” The pattern underlined that front-end gains boosted early race pace but rear tyre life remained a limiting factor.
The Mugello result and the technical steps set up a challenging run of races. Ducati sporting director Gigi Dall’Igna praised Bagnaia’s aggressive early pace on LinkedIn, calling him a “braveheart,” and framed Ducati as resilient despite Aprilia’s early dominance this season. Bagnaia arrived at the Balaton round off the Mugello podium but called Balaton Park unfavourable, saying the circuit was “from riches to rags” and “by far the ugliest one that exists,” and noted the event would not return there next season. Balaton was identified as a test of race craft and strategy after a ninth-place finish there the previous year. Ducati’s recent technical progress had closed some gaps, but persistent rear-tyre wear and grip shortfalls remained the key hurdles to consistent victories.
Senna Agius won the Moto2 Spanish Grand Prix at the Circuito de Jerez, Ángel Nieto, recording his second consecutive victory of the season. He started fourth, set a new all-time Jerez lap record on Friday and rode a Dynavolt Intact GP Kalex fitted with Pirelli control tyres. Agius made the decisive pass for the lead on lap 14 of 21 and crossed the line 0.885 seconds ahead of teammate Manuel Gonzalez to give Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP a one-two. He said he had to manage severe front-tyre wear early and deliberately waited to push in the closing laps, and he thanked his team.
Collin Veijer took pole in Saturday qualifying with a 1:39.101 on his Red Bull KTM Ajo Kalex. Alex Escrig and Manuel Gonzalez completed the front row and Agius started fourth. Veijer led much of the race but faded in the closing laps with arm pump and finished third, 1.107 seconds behind Agius. David Alonso recovered from a poor start to finish fourth, Celestino Vietti was fifth, and Dani Muñoz, Izan Guevara, Tony Arbolino, Alex Escrig and Iván Ortolá completed the top ten. American Joe Roberts, who had qualified 20th, finished 15th.
At round four of the Moto2 season the result tightened the early championship picture. Manuel Gonzalez leads on 59.5 points, Agius is second on 50 and Izan Guevara third on 45, leaving Gonzalez 9.5 points clear of Agius. Intact GP manager Jurgen Lingg praised Agius’s performance and warned that the upcoming Le Mans round will present a fresh challenge.
Cal Crutchlow will return to MotoGP at the Italian Grand Prix in Mugello as LCR/Honda’s replacement for Johann Zarco, the team confirmed after a Misano test cleared the 40-year-old British rider to race. Zarco was ruled out after a heavy crash in Catalunya/Barcelona that left him with significant knee and ankle injuries and awaiting surgery, a situation LCR described as likely long-term. The move preserves LCR/Honda’s entry while Zarco recovers and addresses an immediate personnel need for the team.
Crutchlow took part in a one-off private test at Misano to assess his physical condition and was given the green light to step into Zarco’s seat for the Mugello round. The Mugello start will be his first MotoGP race since a wildcard outing at the 2023 Japanese Grand Prix and will mark his 180th premier-class start. LCR team principal Lucio Cecchinello had said he wanted to field both LCR bikes at Mugello, and Diogo Moreira currently remains the only fit full-time LCR rider.
The short-term signing follows limited replacement options in the paddock. LCR’s regular test rider Takaaki Nakagami is occupied developing Honda’s 2027 850cc package and is unlikely to be available, and other potential stand-ins such as Aleix Espargaro remain in recovery. Crutchlow previously raced for LCR from 2015 to 2020, won three premier-class Grands Prix and achieved 19 podiums, then moved into a Yamaha test and reserve role with sporadic appearances through 2023. LCR and Honda framed Crutchlow’s return as a temporary solution while Zarco’s medical situation and the timing of any surgery remain unresolved.
Liberty Media has proposed introducing F1-style permanent reserve riders in MotoGP as part of a new commercial framework, arguing that factories should name one or two reserves who travel to every round and can step in for factory or satellite teams. The proposal is framed as a response to an expanded calendar and a heavier weekend format (Friday practice, a Saturday sprint and a Sunday grand prix) that organizers say has increased injuries and produced prolonged absences — cited examples include Marc Márquez, Jorge Martín and the pre-season injury to Fermin Aldeguer — and is intended to reduce reliance on ad-hoc stand-ins and improve competitiveness and readiness. The idea remains under discussion rather than a confirmed rule change.
Proponents have proposed mandating manufacturer reserves, possibly two riders per brand with one slot reserved for a young rider, and argue such a system could give Moto2 stars meaningful race-weekend exposure and become a pivotal development route if cost and logistical hurdles are addressed. Supporters say a formal reserve pool would cover frequent injuries, avoid situations where full-time riders cannot be replaced and mirror Formula 1’s permanent reserve approach, while Liberty positions the plan alongside other F1-style changes it has introduced since taking control in 2025.
Officials, teams and riders raised multiple practical and commercial objections. Manufacturers currently rely on test riders — such as Dani Pedrosa, Andrea Dovizioso, the Espargaró brothers, Ducati’s Michele Pirro and Aprilia’s Lorenzo Savadori — who focus on bike development rather than being maintained race-ready; Pirro’s best substitute result in the last decade was fourth at the 2018 Valencia Grand Prix and he was over a minute off the lead when deputizing in Thailand, while Savadori scored points twice in 2025 with a best finish of ninth at the wet French Grand Prix. Critics point to the lack of MotoGP simulators, the need for extensive seat time, likely changes to weekend formats, riders’ reluctance to travel without a guaranteed chance to race (Alex Rins said “I wouldn’t be willing to do so”), and scheduling clashes with World Superbike — exemplified by the Nicolò Bulega case — as major obstacles. Ducati sporting director Davide Tardozzi publicly rejected the proposal as “not viable,” and teams warned they would be unwilling to risk their lead SBK or MotoGP riders serving as reserves. The proposal’s fate will hinge on whether manufacturers, teams and series officials can reconcile the operational, financial and talent-development trade-offs involved.
Best Bets: 2023 MotoGP Barcelona Grand Prix Pre-Event Odds
Schedule and How to Watch the 2023 MotoGP Barcelona Grand Prix
Best Bets and Picks for the 2023 MotoGP Barcelona Grand Prix
Top Picks and Bets
Outsider Picks
Head-To-Head Picks
Expert Pick for the MotoGP Barcelona
Where to Bet on the 2023 MotoGP Barcelona Grand Prix
Related Posts
Rear tyre degradation forces Bagnaia, Marquez to ease off late Mugello
Francesco Bagnaia and Ducati reported clear technical progress this season, driven by electronics tweaks and balance changes that improved starts and front-end feeling. Bagnaia said Ducati were “getting closer” to fixing poor race starts and credited a package of changes introduced since the start of the season, including modified electronics and substantial balance adjustments. He welcomed the removal of some launch-control devices on safety and electronics grounds and said electronics tweaks at Mugello improved off-the-line pace, though he added that starts had weakened compared with 2024. He described the team as having “lost their way” last year and said Ducati had steadily progressed since the Jerez tests. He expected other teams to follow similar development paths but cautioned Ducati remained vulnerable compared with Honda, which he identified as having the best race starts, and acknowledged Aprilia’s systems progress.
On track, balance changes helped immediately. Bagnaia said shifting his weight forward restored front-end feeling, a set-up tweak he highlighted in an Inside Ducati video and in parc fermé comments to crew chief Cristian Gabarrini. The change helped him lead the opening half of the Italian Grand Prix at Mugello, including ten laps at the front, and secure a third-place finish — his first on-track podium of the season and his first consecutive podiums in nearly 12 months. He held off late pressure from Ai Ogura after Ogura posted a rapid penultimate lap, and he battled Aprilia riders Marco Bezzecchi and Jorge Martin during the race.
Bagnaia and others suffered high rear-tyre wear late in the race. He described rear grip as “the only thing I’m lacking,” and reports from Mugello showed rear degradation forced both Bagnaia and Marc Marquez to drop pace, with Marquez saying he “gave up with 10 laps to go.” The pattern underlined that front-end gains boosted early race pace but rear tyre life remained a limiting factor.
The Mugello result and the technical steps set up a challenging run of races. Ducati sporting director Gigi Dall’Igna praised Bagnaia’s aggressive early pace on LinkedIn, calling him a “braveheart,” and framed Ducati as resilient despite Aprilia’s early dominance this season. Bagnaia arrived at the Balaton round off the Mugello podium but called Balaton Park unfavourable, saying the circuit was “from riches to rags” and “by far the ugliest one that exists,” and noted the event would not return there next season. Balaton was identified as a test of race craft and strategy after a ninth-place finish there the previous year. Ducati’s recent technical progress had closed some gaps, but persistent rear-tyre wear and grip shortfalls remained the key hurdles to consistent victories.
Senna Agius wins Moto2 at Jerez; Intact GP secures 1-2
Senna Agius won the Moto2 Spanish Grand Prix at the Circuito de Jerez, Ángel Nieto, recording his second consecutive victory of the season. He started fourth, set a new all-time Jerez lap record on Friday and rode a Dynavolt Intact GP Kalex fitted with Pirelli control tyres. Agius made the decisive pass for the lead on lap 14 of 21 and crossed the line 0.885 seconds ahead of teammate Manuel Gonzalez to give Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP a one-two. He said he had to manage severe front-tyre wear early and deliberately waited to push in the closing laps, and he thanked his team.
Collin Veijer took pole in Saturday qualifying with a 1:39.101 on his Red Bull KTM Ajo Kalex. Alex Escrig and Manuel Gonzalez completed the front row and Agius started fourth. Veijer led much of the race but faded in the closing laps with arm pump and finished third, 1.107 seconds behind Agius. David Alonso recovered from a poor start to finish fourth, Celestino Vietti was fifth, and Dani Muñoz, Izan Guevara, Tony Arbolino, Alex Escrig and Iván Ortolá completed the top ten. American Joe Roberts, who had qualified 20th, finished 15th.
At round four of the Moto2 season the result tightened the early championship picture. Manuel Gonzalez leads on 59.5 points, Agius is second on 50 and Izan Guevara third on 45, leaving Gonzalez 9.5 points clear of Agius. Intact GP manager Jurgen Lingg praised Agius’s performance and warned that the upcoming Le Mans round will present a fresh challenge.
Misano test clears Crutchlow for short-term LCR Honda return
Cal Crutchlow will return to MotoGP at the Italian Grand Prix in Mugello as LCR/Honda’s replacement for Johann Zarco, the team confirmed after a Misano test cleared the 40-year-old British rider to race. Zarco was ruled out after a heavy crash in Catalunya/Barcelona that left him with significant knee and ankle injuries and awaiting surgery, a situation LCR described as likely long-term. The move preserves LCR/Honda’s entry while Zarco recovers and addresses an immediate personnel need for the team.
Crutchlow took part in a one-off private test at Misano to assess his physical condition and was given the green light to step into Zarco’s seat for the Mugello round. The Mugello start will be his first MotoGP race since a wildcard outing at the 2023 Japanese Grand Prix and will mark his 180th premier-class start. LCR team principal Lucio Cecchinello had said he wanted to field both LCR bikes at Mugello, and Diogo Moreira currently remains the only fit full-time LCR rider.
The short-term signing follows limited replacement options in the paddock. LCR’s regular test rider Takaaki Nakagami is occupied developing Honda’s 2027 850cc package and is unlikely to be available, and other potential stand-ins such as Aleix Espargaro remain in recovery. Crutchlow previously raced for LCR from 2015 to 2020, won three premier-class Grands Prix and achieved 19 podiums, then moved into a Yamaha test and reserve role with sporadic appearances through 2023. LCR and Honda framed Crutchlow’s return as a temporary solution while Zarco’s medical situation and the timing of any surgery remain unresolved.
Liberty proposes F1-style permanent reserves for MotoGP
Liberty Media has proposed introducing F1-style permanent reserve riders in MotoGP as part of a new commercial framework, arguing that factories should name one or two reserves who travel to every round and can step in for factory or satellite teams. The proposal is framed as a response to an expanded calendar and a heavier weekend format (Friday practice, a Saturday sprint and a Sunday grand prix) that organizers say has increased injuries and produced prolonged absences — cited examples include Marc Márquez, Jorge Martín and the pre-season injury to Fermin Aldeguer — and is intended to reduce reliance on ad-hoc stand-ins and improve competitiveness and readiness. The idea remains under discussion rather than a confirmed rule change.
Proponents have proposed mandating manufacturer reserves, possibly two riders per brand with one slot reserved for a young rider, and argue such a system could give Moto2 stars meaningful race-weekend exposure and become a pivotal development route if cost and logistical hurdles are addressed. Supporters say a formal reserve pool would cover frequent injuries, avoid situations where full-time riders cannot be replaced and mirror Formula 1’s permanent reserve approach, while Liberty positions the plan alongside other F1-style changes it has introduced since taking control in 2025.
Officials, teams and riders raised multiple practical and commercial objections. Manufacturers currently rely on test riders — such as Dani Pedrosa, Andrea Dovizioso, the Espargaró brothers, Ducati’s Michele Pirro and Aprilia’s Lorenzo Savadori — who focus on bike development rather than being maintained race-ready; Pirro’s best substitute result in the last decade was fourth at the 2018 Valencia Grand Prix and he was over a minute off the lead when deputizing in Thailand, while Savadori scored points twice in 2025 with a best finish of ninth at the wet French Grand Prix. Critics point to the lack of MotoGP simulators, the need for extensive seat time, likely changes to weekend formats, riders’ reluctance to travel without a guaranteed chance to race (Alex Rins said “I wouldn’t be willing to do so”), and scheduling clashes with World Superbike — exemplified by the Nicolò Bulega case — as major obstacles. Ducati sporting director Davide Tardozzi publicly rejected the proposal as “not viable,” and teams warned they would be unwilling to risk their lead SBK or MotoGP riders serving as reserves. The proposal’s fate will hinge on whether manufacturers, teams and series officials can reconcile the operational, financial and talent-development trade-offs involved.