The 2024 MotoGP season is off to a dramatic start after a wild Portuguese Grand Prix that saw Pramac’s Jorge Martin dominate from start to finish while defending champion Francesco Bagnaia crashed out after colliding with Marc Marquez. Meanwhile, rookie sensation Pedro Acosta scored a stunning maiden MotoGP podium in just his second race.
With the shocking late cancellation of the Argentina Grand Prix due to the country’s economic crisis, all eyes now turn to the Grand Prix of the Americas in Austin, Texas from April 12-14. The iconic Circuit of the Americas is always a pivotal early season race, and this year’s edition is shaping up to be a real barnburner. Read on for an expert breakdown of the top betting favorites and juiciest outsider picks as the world’s best riders get set to duel in the Lone Star State.
Place your wagers for the Grand Prix of the Americas at our partner sportsbooks.
Schedule and How to Watch the Grand Prix of the Americas
The Grand Prix of the Americas runs from April 12th-14th at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. Friday will feature two free practice sessions, followed by a final free practice and qualifying on Saturday. The 20-lap race gets underway at 2:00 pm local time (3:00 pm ET) on Sunday, April 14th. For a detailed view of the weekend’s events, refer to the official 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.
Odds Subject to Change
Please note, the odds provided herein reflect the raw probability odds for this analysis and are based on the information available at the time of publishing. Different sportsbooks may adjust these odds based on market conditions, bettor behaviors, and other factors that could influence the betting landscape. For a deeper understanding of why odds for alternative sports betting change and how it might affect your betting strategy, we encourage you to read our detailed article:Why Do Alternative Sports Betting Odds Change?. Make informed decisions and always check the latest odds with your sportsbook before placing bets.
Best Bets and Picks for the Grand Prix of the Americas
Top Picks and Bets
The Grand Prix of the Americas always delivers high-octane thrills, and this year’s edition promises to be no different, with a trio of heavy hitters leading the betting odds and looking to stamp their authority on the championship chase at the spectacular Circuit of the Americas.
Rider
Event Winner Odds
Payout on $20
Jorge Martin
+162
$52.40
Francesco Bagnaia
+162
$52.40
Marc Marquez
+400
$100.00
Jorge Martin (+162) is the man of the moment after his flawless performance in Portimão. The Pramac rider was untouchable all weekend, converting pole position into a dominant lights-to-flag victory. Holding an 18-point lead and brimming with confidence, Martin’s aggressive yet precise riding style is perfectly suited to COTA’s challenging layout. The Spaniard has to be considered the favorite to make it back-to-back wins and extend his championship advantage.
Francesco Bagnaia (+162) comes into the Grand Prix of the Americas with a point to prove after crashing out of the Portuguese round. The defending double champion will be fired up to reignite his title defense at a track where he has consistently performed well in the past. Armed with the formidable Ducati Desmosedici GP24, expect Pecco to be in the mix for victory as he seeks to close down championship leader Jorge Martin’s early advantage.
Marc Marquez (+400) shouldn’t be discounted despite his involvement in the Portuguese GP incident with Bagnaia. The Repsol Honda icon boasts a record seven victories at COTA and looked back to his best in the early stages in Portimão before the collision. With HRC bringing an upgraded RC213V to Texas and his unmatched bike control, Marquez will fancy his chances of fighting for the podium and kickstarting his 2024 campaign.
Outsider Picks
While the favorites grab the headlines, savvy MotoGP bettors know that the outsider picks often provide the best value, and this week’s group all have the potential to deliver big returns at the Grand Prix of the Americas.
Rider
Event Winner Odds
Payout on $20
Enea Bastianini
+700
$160.00
Pedro Acosta
+900
$200.00
Brad Binder
+1100
$240.00
Enea Bastianini (+700)is looking like a shrewd bet after his impressive ride to 2nd place in Portugal. The Ducati factory team rider showed impressive pace all weekend and looks to be carrying his strong late-season form from 2023 into the new campaign. ‘The Beast’ will be hungry to claim his first victory of the year and cement his status as a championship contender. With his renowned late-race pace and the potent GP24 beneath him, Bastianini has the potential to challenge for the top step of the podium in Austin.
Pedro Acosta (+900) couldn’t have asked for a more impressive debut in his rookie MotoGP season. The 20-year-old sensation stormed to a stunning maiden podium in Portimão, announcing himself as a serious talent on the world stage. Acosta’s precocious poise and the competitive KTM package make him an intriguing dark horse pick in Texas, where his smooth riding style should be well suited to the flowing, technical layout. Don’t be surprised to see the young Spaniard challenging for the top six once again.
Brad Binder (+1100) leads KTM’s charge coming into the Grand Prix of the Americas after a solid ride to 4th in Portugal. The South African has made a habit of exceeding expectations on the RC16 and will be gunning for the podium at a track where his aggressive riding style and late-braking prowess can really shine. With KTM’s upgraded engine providing a welcome power boost, Binder has the tools to mix it with the front runners on Sunday.
Expert Pick for the Grand Prix of the Americas
Jorge Martin is the clear favorite heading into the Grand Prix of the Americas after his incredible start to the 2024 season. The Pramac rider was in a class of his own in Portugal, topping every session and converting pole position into a commanding victory. With an 18-point championship lead and the lightning-quick Ducati GP24 at his disposal, Martin will be full of confidence at a track that suits his attacking style. Barring mishaps, the Spaniard looks set to make it two wins in a row and stamp his authority on the early title race.
Where to Bet on the 2024 MotoGP Grand Prix of the Americas
Gear up for the 2024 MotoGP – Grand Prix of the Americas! Get the latest odds and exclusive offers at our partnered sportsbooks to place your bets. Don’t forget to delve into NXTbets’ official MotoGP Betting Guidefor comprehensive insights and tips.
With a wide-open title fight, a stacked field of elite riders, and one of the most spectacular tracks on the planet, the 2024 Grand Prix of the Americas has all the ingredients of an instant classic. So make sure you tune in on April 14 to see who emerges victorious in MotoGP’s lone star showdown. These are the races that make legends.
21+ Please refer to Affiliated Operators’ T&C. Void where prohibited. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Ducati has decided to move 21-year-old Fermin Aldeguer from Gresini to Valentino Rossi’s VR46 squad for 2027, a manufacturer-driven reshuffle that includes factory machinery, a new livery and a contract option extended through 2028. Aldeguer, the 2025 Rookie of the Year who finished eighth overall and scored a Grand Prix victory in Indonesia, was reportedly denied a promised factory bike for 2026 and is said to have preferred to stay at Gresini. VR46 team principal Uccio Salucci confirmed interest at the United States GP, calling Aldeguer “a fantastic rider,” while Ducati’s activation of VR46’s factory-supported option for 2027 was a decisive factor in the move.
Gresini owner Nadia Padovani reacted strongly to the transfer, with sources saying the switch left her team needing two riders for 2027 after Alex Márquez’s expected departure to KTM. Padovani publicly rejected the idea that Ducati could force Nicolo Bulega onto Gresini, saying she would only sign Bulega if he were the best option; Bulega has been linked to MotoGP interest and is noted as a 26-year-old World Superbike front-runner with a dominant start to his season. Faced with a constrained pool of suitable replacements and limited manufacturer alternatives, Gresini briefly considered leaving Ducati and held talks with Honda and Aprilia, but after assessing realistic options moved toward renewing its Ducati deal.
Reports name Enea Bastianini and Moto2 prospect Daniel Holgado among riders linked to Gresini’s reorganization. The episode underscored the growing influence of manufacturers in shaping satellite-team lineups and the strategic value of factory support: Ducati reportedly mediated the rivalry between the teams as shifting alliances and contract timing reshaped bargaining power, and observers noted that a single high-profile rider movement can force rapid strategy changes in a market where top-level riders are scarce and factory backing remains a decisive advantage in MotoGP’s satellite ecosystem.
Fabio Quartararo used telemetry from the Brazilian weekend to quantify the Yamaha V4 M1’s top-speed and horsepower shortfall versus rivals. Speed-trap readings showed Marc Márquez at 348.3 km/h and Quartararo at 336.4 km/h; Quartararo said “I was 12 km/h slower than Márquez” and estimated “roughly 80% of the problem is the engine’s lack of power.” Sprint telemetry indicated the top-speed gap narrowed in race trim to about 4.5 km/h, but Quartararo said that improvement was largely due to the track’s flowing layout rather than a wholesale Yamaha breakthrough. Sources refer to the Brazilian venue alternately as Goiânia and São Paulo; this summary uses Goiânia for the cited details.
Despite the straight-line deficit, Quartararo recovered to finish sixth in the Saturday Sprint, 7.7 seconds behind the winner. He had qualified fourth, executed an opening-lap pass on Márquez and said he pushed “to the absolute limit.” He attributed his strong middle-sector speed to a single-lap effort, admitted he benefited from other riders’ crashes to post a quick lap, and said he enjoyed the early laps despite tire wear and ongoing top-speed issues.
The weekend underlined inconsistency for Yamaha. Quartararo set the slowest lap in FP1 at Goiânia, other Yamaha riders were roughly 12–13 km/h slower than the Ducati leaders in speed-trap data, and reports differ on his prior Thailand result (sources list either 14th or 16th). Quartararo’s competitive pace on the prototype, together with his data-driven diagnosis, was offered as a rebuttal to speculation that he is merely waiting for a switch to Honda. He warned the V4 M1 is still in development and cautioned that the Sprint result should not be read as a general step forward for Yamaha, predicting tougher weekends ahead at circuits such as Austin and Jerez.
Marco Bezzecchi produced a lights-to-flag masterclass at the 2026 MotoGP United States Grand Prix in Austin, but the race’s defining moment came on the opening lap when he and Pedro Acosta made contact exiting Turn 11 while fighting for the lead. Bezzecchi emerged from the clash ahead despite chunks of bodywork and rear aero damage, and race stewards chose not to open an investigation. Both riders downplayed the incident as hard, competitive racing—Acosta calling it “hard racing” and pointing to gusting wind and having run wide as contributory factors—and neither assigned blame.
Bezzecchi led every lap to claim his fifth straight premier-class victory and reclaimed the championship lead, with teammate Jorge Martin recovering to finish second and complete an Aprilia 1-2 at COTA. Pedro Acosta recovered to third for Red Bull KTM and remained the top non-Aprilia rider; after the weekend Bezzecchi sat on 81 points to Martin’s 77 and Acosta on 60. Bezzecchi won by roughly two seconds (Martin finishing about 2.036s back), and the result shifted momentum at the front of the 2026 title fight.
The Italian had started fourth, muscled past early leader Acosta on lap one and then upped his pace from around lap six to open a gap of more than a second as he controlled the race to the flag. He had topped the brief warm-up earlier in the day and had crashed out of the Sprint while running second, underlining how close he had been to the limit over the weekend. Several reports credited Bezzecchi with setting a modern-era mark for consecutive laps led—citing 121 laps and noting he surpassed Jorge Lorenzo’s previous benchmark—though one account attributed that 121-figure to Acosta, so sources vary on which rider holds that specific tally.
Aprilia ran a private test at Jerez of its 2027 850cc MotoGP prototype, two days after the official post-race test, and released photos and video of the session. Test rider Lorenzo Savadori completed the prototype’s first on-track laps in wet conditions, and Aprilia said the engine had been running since the previous year. The private outing followed public 2027 shakedowns by KTM, Honda and Ducati, and Yamaha remained the only factory not to have publicly showcased a new 2027 bike, an early M1 prototype believed to have run privately in Japan. Savadori, who retired from the Jerez Sprint after contact with Toprak Razgatlioglu, said he would test new parts over the weekend that Aprilia planned to pass to factory riders Marco Bezzecchi and Jorge Martin.
The prototype displayed 2027-spec aerodynamic revisions, including a revised nose profile and a protruding front wing. Aprilia also fitted a novel flow diverter nicknamed “elephant ears,” two wing elements mounted at the sides of the front fairing that create a third tier of aerodynamic surfaces, and the team had introduced new upper-fairing winglets on the RS-GP26 during the official Jerez test.
Aprilia’s aero program, led by technical boss Fabiano Sterlacchini and aero head Marco De Luca, gathered additional data using a tail-mounted “satellite” sensor as the team sought to refine designs amid concerns that current aerodynamic concepts may be nearing performance limits. The outing was framed as part of broader development ahead of the 2027 rules change that will shift MotoGP to an 850cc formula, switch from Michelin to Pirelli tires, impose tighter aerodynamic limits, ban ride-height devices and require 100 percent non-fossil-origin fuel. The prototype’s track runs followed extensive bench testing and Pirelli tire work alongside Aprilia’s current 1000cc RS-GP, and the updates come amid lingering controversy over Aprilia’s earlier “leg wing” concept, which rivals largely copied and which Aprilia showed yielded measurable gains, with Aprilia leading the 2026 championship and locked in an aero arms race with Ducati as the two manufacturers compete for the 2026 title.
Best Bets: 2024 MotoGP Grand Prix of the Americas Pre-Event Odds Analysis
The 2024 MotoGP season is off to a dramatic start after a wild Portuguese Grand Prix that saw Pramac’s Jorge Martin dominate from start to finish while defending champion Francesco Bagnaia crashed out after colliding with Marc Marquez. Meanwhile, rookie sensation Pedro Acosta scored a stunning maiden MotoGP podium in just his second race.
With the shocking late cancellation of the Argentina Grand Prix due to the country’s economic crisis, all eyes now turn to the Grand Prix of the Americas in Austin, Texas from April 12-14. The iconic Circuit of the Americas is always a pivotal early season race, and this year’s edition is shaping up to be a real barnburner. Read on for an expert breakdown of the top betting favorites and juiciest outsider picks as the world’s best riders get set to duel in the Lone Star State.
Place your wagers for the Grand Prix of the Americas at our partner sportsbooks.
Schedule and How to Watch the Grand Prix of the Americas
The Grand Prix of the Americas runs from April 12th-14th at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. Friday will feature two free practice sessions, followed by a final free practice and qualifying on Saturday. The 20-lap race gets underway at 2:00 pm local time (3:00 pm ET) on Sunday, April 14th. For a detailed view of the weekend’s events, refer to the official 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.
Odds Subject to Change
Please note, the odds provided herein reflect the raw probability odds for this analysis and are based on the information available at the time of publishing. Different sportsbooks may adjust these odds based on market conditions, bettor behaviors, and other factors that could influence the betting landscape. For a deeper understanding of why odds for alternative sports betting change and how it might affect your betting strategy, we encourage you to read our detailed article: Why Do Alternative Sports Betting Odds Change?. Make informed decisions and always check the latest odds with your sportsbook before placing bets.
Best Bets and Picks for the Grand Prix of the Americas
Top Picks and Bets
The Grand Prix of the Americas always delivers high-octane thrills, and this year’s edition promises to be no different, with a trio of heavy hitters leading the betting odds and looking to stamp their authority on the championship chase at the spectacular Circuit of the Americas.
Rider
Event Winner Odds
Payout on $20
Jorge Martin
+162
$52.40
Francesco Bagnaia
+162
$52.40
Marc Marquez
+400
$100.00
Jorge Martin (+162) is the man of the moment after his flawless performance in Portimão. The Pramac rider was untouchable all weekend, converting pole position into a dominant lights-to-flag victory. Holding an 18-point lead and brimming with confidence, Martin’s aggressive yet precise riding style is perfectly suited to COTA’s challenging layout. The Spaniard has to be considered the favorite to make it back-to-back wins and extend his championship advantage.
Francesco Bagnaia (+162) comes into the Grand Prix of the Americas with a point to prove after crashing out of the Portuguese round. The defending double champion will be fired up to reignite his title defense at a track where he has consistently performed well in the past. Armed with the formidable Ducati Desmosedici GP24, expect Pecco to be in the mix for victory as he seeks to close down championship leader Jorge Martin’s early advantage.
Marc Marquez (+400) shouldn’t be discounted despite his involvement in the Portuguese GP incident with Bagnaia. The Repsol Honda icon boasts a record seven victories at COTA and looked back to his best in the early stages in Portimão before the collision. With HRC bringing an upgraded RC213V to Texas and his unmatched bike control, Marquez will fancy his chances of fighting for the podium and kickstarting his 2024 campaign.
Outsider Picks
While the favorites grab the headlines, savvy MotoGP bettors know that the outsider picks often provide the best value, and this week’s group all have the potential to deliver big returns at the Grand Prix of the Americas.
Rider
Event Winner Odds
Payout on $20
Enea Bastianini
+700
$160.00
Pedro Acosta
+900
$200.00
Brad Binder
+1100
$240.00
Enea Bastianini (+700) is looking like a shrewd bet after his impressive ride to 2nd place in Portugal. The Ducati factory team rider showed impressive pace all weekend and looks to be carrying his strong late-season form from 2023 into the new campaign. ‘The Beast’ will be hungry to claim his first victory of the year and cement his status as a championship contender. With his renowned late-race pace and the potent GP24 beneath him, Bastianini has the potential to challenge for the top step of the podium in Austin.
Pedro Acosta (+900) couldn’t have asked for a more impressive debut in his rookie MotoGP season. The 20-year-old sensation stormed to a stunning maiden podium in Portimão, announcing himself as a serious talent on the world stage. Acosta’s precocious poise and the competitive KTM package make him an intriguing dark horse pick in Texas, where his smooth riding style should be well suited to the flowing, technical layout. Don’t be surprised to see the young Spaniard challenging for the top six once again.
Brad Binder (+1100) leads KTM’s charge coming into the Grand Prix of the Americas after a solid ride to 4th in Portugal. The South African has made a habit of exceeding expectations on the RC16 and will be gunning for the podium at a track where his aggressive riding style and late-braking prowess can really shine. With KTM’s upgraded engine providing a welcome power boost, Binder has the tools to mix it with the front runners on Sunday.
Expert Pick for the Grand Prix of the Americas
Jorge Martin is the clear favorite heading into the Grand Prix of the Americas after his incredible start to the 2024 season. The Pramac rider was in a class of his own in Portugal, topping every session and converting pole position into a commanding victory. With an 18-point championship lead and the lightning-quick Ducati GP24 at his disposal, Martin will be full of confidence at a track that suits his attacking style. Barring mishaps, the Spaniard looks set to make it two wins in a row and stamp his authority on the early title race.
Where to Bet on the 2024 MotoGP Grand Prix of the Americas
Gear up for the 2024 MotoGP – Grand Prix of the Americas! Get the latest odds and exclusive offers at our partnered sportsbooks to place your bets. Don’t forget to delve into NXTbets’ official MotoGP Betting Guide for comprehensive insights and tips.
With a wide-open title fight, a stacked field of elite riders, and one of the most spectacular tracks on the planet, the 2024 Grand Prix of the Americas has all the ingredients of an instant classic. So make sure you tune in on April 14 to see who emerges victorious in MotoGP’s lone star showdown. These are the races that make legends.
21+ Please refer to Affiliated Operators’ T&C. Void where prohibited. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Related Posts
Ducati moves Aldeguer to VR46, increasing Gresini tensions
Ducati has decided to move 21-year-old Fermin Aldeguer from Gresini to Valentino Rossi’s VR46 squad for 2027, a manufacturer-driven reshuffle that includes factory machinery, a new livery and a contract option extended through 2028. Aldeguer, the 2025 Rookie of the Year who finished eighth overall and scored a Grand Prix victory in Indonesia, was reportedly denied a promised factory bike for 2026 and is said to have preferred to stay at Gresini. VR46 team principal Uccio Salucci confirmed interest at the United States GP, calling Aldeguer “a fantastic rider,” while Ducati’s activation of VR46’s factory-supported option for 2027 was a decisive factor in the move.
Gresini owner Nadia Padovani reacted strongly to the transfer, with sources saying the switch left her team needing two riders for 2027 after Alex Márquez’s expected departure to KTM. Padovani publicly rejected the idea that Ducati could force Nicolo Bulega onto Gresini, saying she would only sign Bulega if he were the best option; Bulega has been linked to MotoGP interest and is noted as a 26-year-old World Superbike front-runner with a dominant start to his season. Faced with a constrained pool of suitable replacements and limited manufacturer alternatives, Gresini briefly considered leaving Ducati and held talks with Honda and Aprilia, but after assessing realistic options moved toward renewing its Ducati deal.
Reports name Enea Bastianini and Moto2 prospect Daniel Holgado among riders linked to Gresini’s reorganization. The episode underscored the growing influence of manufacturers in shaping satellite-team lineups and the strategic value of factory support: Ducati reportedly mediated the rivalry between the teams as shifting alliances and contract timing reshaped bargaining power, and observers noted that a single high-profile rider movement can force rapid strategy changes in a market where top-level riders are scarce and factory backing remains a decisive advantage in MotoGP’s satellite ecosystem.
Telemetry shows Márquez 348.3 km/h, Quartararo 336.4 deficit
Fabio Quartararo used telemetry from the Brazilian weekend to quantify the Yamaha V4 M1’s top-speed and horsepower shortfall versus rivals. Speed-trap readings showed Marc Márquez at 348.3 km/h and Quartararo at 336.4 km/h; Quartararo said “I was 12 km/h slower than Márquez” and estimated “roughly 80% of the problem is the engine’s lack of power.” Sprint telemetry indicated the top-speed gap narrowed in race trim to about 4.5 km/h, but Quartararo said that improvement was largely due to the track’s flowing layout rather than a wholesale Yamaha breakthrough. Sources refer to the Brazilian venue alternately as Goiânia and São Paulo; this summary uses Goiânia for the cited details.
Despite the straight-line deficit, Quartararo recovered to finish sixth in the Saturday Sprint, 7.7 seconds behind the winner. He had qualified fourth, executed an opening-lap pass on Márquez and said he pushed “to the absolute limit.” He attributed his strong middle-sector speed to a single-lap effort, admitted he benefited from other riders’ crashes to post a quick lap, and said he enjoyed the early laps despite tire wear and ongoing top-speed issues.
The weekend underlined inconsistency for Yamaha. Quartararo set the slowest lap in FP1 at Goiânia, other Yamaha riders were roughly 12–13 km/h slower than the Ducati leaders in speed-trap data, and reports differ on his prior Thailand result (sources list either 14th or 16th). Quartararo’s competitive pace on the prototype, together with his data-driven diagnosis, was offered as a rebuttal to speculation that he is merely waiting for a switch to Honda. He warned the V4 M1 is still in development and cautioned that the Sprint result should not be read as a general step forward for Yamaha, predicting tougher weekends ahead at circuits such as Austin and Jerez.
Bezzecchi reclaims championship lead after Austin win, 81-77
Marco Bezzecchi produced a lights-to-flag masterclass at the 2026 MotoGP United States Grand Prix in Austin, but the race’s defining moment came on the opening lap when he and Pedro Acosta made contact exiting Turn 11 while fighting for the lead. Bezzecchi emerged from the clash ahead despite chunks of bodywork and rear aero damage, and race stewards chose not to open an investigation. Both riders downplayed the incident as hard, competitive racing—Acosta calling it “hard racing” and pointing to gusting wind and having run wide as contributory factors—and neither assigned blame.
Bezzecchi led every lap to claim his fifth straight premier-class victory and reclaimed the championship lead, with teammate Jorge Martin recovering to finish second and complete an Aprilia 1-2 at COTA. Pedro Acosta recovered to third for Red Bull KTM and remained the top non-Aprilia rider; after the weekend Bezzecchi sat on 81 points to Martin’s 77 and Acosta on 60. Bezzecchi won by roughly two seconds (Martin finishing about 2.036s back), and the result shifted momentum at the front of the 2026 title fight.
The Italian had started fourth, muscled past early leader Acosta on lap one and then upped his pace from around lap six to open a gap of more than a second as he controlled the race to the flag. He had topped the brief warm-up earlier in the day and had crashed out of the Sprint while running second, underlining how close he had been to the limit over the weekend. Several reports credited Bezzecchi with setting a modern-era mark for consecutive laps led—citing 121 laps and noting he surpassed Jorge Lorenzo’s previous benchmark—though one account attributed that 121-figure to Acosta, so sources vary on which rider holds that specific tally.
Savadori posts wet laps on Aprilia 2027 850cc at Jerez
Aprilia ran a private test at Jerez of its 2027 850cc MotoGP prototype, two days after the official post-race test, and released photos and video of the session. Test rider Lorenzo Savadori completed the prototype’s first on-track laps in wet conditions, and Aprilia said the engine had been running since the previous year. The private outing followed public 2027 shakedowns by KTM, Honda and Ducati, and Yamaha remained the only factory not to have publicly showcased a new 2027 bike, an early M1 prototype believed to have run privately in Japan. Savadori, who retired from the Jerez Sprint after contact with Toprak Razgatlioglu, said he would test new parts over the weekend that Aprilia planned to pass to factory riders Marco Bezzecchi and Jorge Martin.
The prototype displayed 2027-spec aerodynamic revisions, including a revised nose profile and a protruding front wing. Aprilia also fitted a novel flow diverter nicknamed “elephant ears,” two wing elements mounted at the sides of the front fairing that create a third tier of aerodynamic surfaces, and the team had introduced new upper-fairing winglets on the RS-GP26 during the official Jerez test.
Aprilia’s aero program, led by technical boss Fabiano Sterlacchini and aero head Marco De Luca, gathered additional data using a tail-mounted “satellite” sensor as the team sought to refine designs amid concerns that current aerodynamic concepts may be nearing performance limits. The outing was framed as part of broader development ahead of the 2027 rules change that will shift MotoGP to an 850cc formula, switch from Michelin to Pirelli tires, impose tighter aerodynamic limits, ban ride-height devices and require 100 percent non-fossil-origin fuel. The prototype’s track runs followed extensive bench testing and Pirelli tire work alongside Aprilia’s current 1000cc RS-GP, and the updates come amid lingering controversy over Aprilia’s earlier “leg wing” concept, which rivals largely copied and which Aprilia showed yielded measurable gains, with Aprilia leading the 2026 championship and locked in an aero arms race with Ducati as the two manufacturers compete for the 2026 title.