The 2024 MotoGP season heads to the iconic Phillip Island for the Australian Grand Prix, a race known for its breathtaking scenery and unpredictable conditions. Francesco Bagnaia’s victory at Motegi, his eighth of the season, has brought him within 10 points of championship leader Jorge Martin. With just a few races left in the season, each event is becoming increasingly critical in this neck-and-neck battle. In Australia, riders will need to balance speed with caution as they tackle one of the most challenging circuits on the calendar. This article provides expert insights and betting analysis ahead of the Australian GP.
After reading, check out our partner sportsbooks to get valuable promotions and place your bets.
In addition to traditional sports betting on MotoGP, the Australian GP has Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) Real Money Gaming available in a Pick’Em style on Underdog. Although “fantasy games” might seem misleading, DFS is a significant and growing category within legal sports wagering. MotoGP fans are allowed to legally make better/worse picks with real money gaming in 30 states, including California, Texas & Wisconsin where traditional sports betting is currently illegal.
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Schedule and How to Watch the MotoGP Australian GP
The Australian Grand Prix will be held from October 18-20, 2024, at Phillip Island, a coastal circuit renowned for high-speed corners and gusty winds that can drastically affect race outcomes. The race will take place on Sunday, October 20, with practice and qualifying sessions running through the weekend.
For the complete schedule and updates, be sure to visit the official MotoGP website.
To catch every thrilling moment of the Australian Grand Prix as it unfolds, check out MAX for live coverage, ensuring you don’t miss a single second of the drama. For the latest odds and previous results, be sure to check NXTbets.
Best Bets and Picks for the MotoGP Australian GP
Top Picks and Bets
Driver
Event Winner
$20 Payout
Francesco Bagnaia
+175
$55.00
Jorge Martin
+187
$57.40
Marc Marquez
+250
$70.00
Francesco Bagnaia (+175): Bagnaia arrives at Phillip Island in top form after clinching a crucial win in Japan. Known for his ability to manage tire wear and maintain a relentless pace, Bagnaia is well-suited for the high-speed nature of this circuit. His success in Japan highlighted his composure under pressure, a quality that will be essential on Phillip Island’s unpredictable layout. With the championship gap now down to just 10 points, Bagnaia will be looking to capitalize on this momentum to challenge for the top spot.
Jorge Martin (+187): Despite finishing second in Japan, Martin’s ability to recover from an 11th-place grid start shows why he remains a favorite. His aggressive riding style and quick starts make him a serious threat on Phillip Island’s fast straights. However, the challenge for Martin will be maintaining consistency through the race’s tricky weather conditions. If he can balance speed with strategy, Martin is poised to solidify his championship lead.
Marc Marquez (+250): Marquez secured another podium finish in Japan, showcasing his ability to fight through the pack. At Phillip Island, Marquez’s experience and fearless approach could give him an edge, especially if weather conditions deteriorate. Although the championship battle may be between Bagnaia and Martin, Marquez could disrupt the standings with a win, making him a valuable pick.
Outsider Bets
Driver
Event Winner
$20 Payout
Pedro Acosta
+1200
$260.00
Enea Bastianini
+1200
$260.00
Brad Binder
+2200
$460.00
Pedro Acosta (+1200): Despite crashing out in Japan, Acosta’s performance showed promise, particularly his pole position start. Phillip Island’s fast-paced nature could favor the rookie if he can keep his composure. As an outsider pick, Acosta offers high-reward potential given his recent form and ability to mix it up with the top riders.
Enea Bastianini (+1200): Bastianini narrowly missed the podium in Japan, finishing fourth after a hard-fought battle with Marquez. Known for his late-race pace, Bastianini could excel at Phillip Island, where managing tire degradation is crucial. His aggressive style makes him a wildcard, especially if the leaders encounter trouble.
Brad Binder (+2200): Binder’s sixth-place finish in Japan reflects his consistency, but Phillip Island offers an opportunity for more. With its fast corners favoring aggressive riders, Binder’s fearless approach could pay off. If conditions become chaotic, Binder is the type of rider who can seize the moment and fight for a podium spot.
Expert Pick for MotoGP Australia
Francesco Bagnaia is our Expert Pick for the Australian GP. His mastery of high-speed circuits and ability to manage tire wear make him well-suited for Phillip Island’s demanding layout. With momentum on his side, Bagnaia will be eager to narrow the 10-point gap to Martin. His strategic approach and race-day composure give him an edge, especially if conditions turn tricky, making him a prime contender for the top step.
Where to Bet on MotoGP
Visit our partner sportsbooksto access special deals that will elevate your betting experience as you anticipate the upcoming Australian GP. If you’re a newbie in the world of MotoGP betting, our comprehensive MotoGP Betting Guide is a must-read. Remember to enjoy the race and make your betting choices wisely. Betting responsibly ensures the fun lasts all season long.
As the MotoGP season heads into its final stretch, the Australian GP promises high drama and thrilling battles. With Phillip Island’s unpredictable conditions and high-speed layout, fans and bettors alike can expect an action-packed race. Stay tuned for more insights as the championship fight between Bagnaia and Martin heats up.
21+ Please refer to Affiliated Operators’s T&C. Void where prohibited. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
As the dust settles over the Circuit of the Americas, the F1 circus doesn’t pause for breath, already turning its gaze towards the iconic turns of the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. The Austin race was nothing short of spectacular, where Max Verstappen showcased his tactical brilliance, carving his way from P6 to stand atop the podium …
Dorna Sports confirmed a revised MotoGP Race Direction leadership lineup for the 2026 season, appointing Graham Webber as MotoGP Race Director and naming Jack Gorst as deputy Race Director while long-time MotoGP Race Director Mike Webb moves into a newly created Race Direction Coordinator role. Webb will remain based on site at Grands Prix and in the control room, and will serve as IRTA representative and secretary. The three will jointly lead a centralized Race Direction team that will operate across the 22-round 2026 calendar.
The reshuffle preserves continuity while introducing new primary decision-makers: Webber, who had served as deputy race director and previously directed Moto2, Moto3 and MotoE race direction, will helm MotoGP race direction in 2026; Webb has led MotoGP race direction since 2012 and maintained the post through the FIM stewards restructuring after the 2015 Sepang fallout. Jack Gorst, who joins the Event Management Committee alongside Webber, will serve as deputy. The Race Direction remit covers all Grand Prix classes and other on-track competitions staged at MotoGP events, including the newly listed Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup.
Dorna and the FIM also confirmed the wider Race Direction and governance team: Bartolome Alfonso will continue as FIM representative and Safety Officer, Loris Capirossi as MotoGP SEG representative, and Danny Aldridge remains GP Technical Director. The FIM MotoGP stewards panel will be chaired by Simon Crafar, with Andrés Somolinos as FIM MotoGP Chief Steward and Tamara Matko serving as a steward. The FIM Appeals Panel is composed of Ralph Bohnhorst, Raffaele De Fabritiis, Stuart Higgs and Franco Uncini, with Paul Duparc and Paul King named as reserves. Event Management Committee members include Giancarlo di Filippo (FIM Medical Director) and Dominique Hebrard (FIM GP Technical Representative). The Grand Prix Commission is led by MotoGP SEG CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta and the FIM Permanent Bureau by FIM President Jorge Viegas. Dorna noted the 22-round calendar opens Feb. 27–Mar. 1 at Chang International Circuit in Buriram, with a final pre-season test the weekend before and round two scheduled Mar. 20–22 at the Goiânia International Racetrack Ayrton Senna following circuit upgrades.
KTM is considering dropping Maverick Vinales from the Tech3 lineup as early as next weekend’s British Grand Prix, with Pol Espargaro on standby to step in and potentially keep the seat for the rest of 2026. The move is tied to Vinales’ shoulder injury from a Sachsenring crash in July 2026 and to growing tension with Tech3 CEO Guenther Steiner.
Contract uncertainty has also complicated the situation. Vinales was signed to race for Tech3 in 2025 and 2026 under a KTM-linked deal, and one report said he had a factory contract through 2027 before KTM backed away over fitness concerns. KTM had earlier promised him a promotion to the factory team after his strong start to 2025, but its signings of Alex Marquez and Fabio di Giannantonio left Vinales unsure about his future. Motorsport.com reported that KTM is looking for a way to part with him without triggering penalties, and that his Sachsenring race in July may have been his last MotoGP appearance. At Brno, Vinales said that if he does not continue in MotoGP, there is only one culprit: KTM. At the Czech Grand Prix, he added, “In the winter I was in the factory team, now I don’t even know where I am.”
Fabio Quartararo has openly accused Yamaha of abandoning development of its new V4 MotoGP machine and said the bike remains “the same as it was in September 2025,” blaming a lack of reaction from the factory for his slide in form and a growing strain in relations. He said he does not expect a meaningful response from Yamaha this season after the late switch to the V4 layout, conceded “there is no point in always being angry,” and also downplayed any permanent damage to his relationship with the manufacturer while expressing gratitude toward Yamaha.
Quartararo identified grip and persistent front-end feel problems as the central factors undermining his results, and also flagged issues with turning, top speed, acceleration, cornering and aerodynamics. He said he had been faster at Le Mans and Catalunya when using Yamaha’s earlier front wing but expects few short-term fixes, adding “it’s going to be a long six months.” The criticism followed a difficult Mugello weekend where Quartararo scored no points and finished 18th, Jack Miller was 15th, Toprak Razgatlıoğlu 16th and Alex Rins crashed after qualifying for Q2. Reports vary on his championship position, with sources placing him 14th or 15th in the standings and one report listing 37 points, and he is on course for his lowest-ever season finish.
Yamaha has reallocated many resources toward a 2027 development project and the incoming 850cc era, a shift the factory says helps explain the dip in current-season competitiveness. Team principal Paolo Pavesio said “Balaton Park will reveal a lot about our potential,” casting the Hungarian round as a near-term test of whether Yamaha can stabilise performance while its long-term programme advances. Media reports also link Quartararo to a move to Honda next season, but that transfer has not been officially confirmed.
Best Bets: MotoGP Australian GP 2024 Pre-Event Odds Analysis
The 2024 MotoGP season heads to the iconic Phillip Island for the Australian Grand Prix, a race known for its breathtaking scenery and unpredictable conditions. Francesco Bagnaia’s victory at Motegi, his eighth of the season, has brought him within 10 points of championship leader Jorge Martin. With just a few races left in the season, each event is becoming increasingly critical in this neck-and-neck battle. In Australia, riders will need to balance speed with caution as they tackle one of the most challenging circuits on the calendar. This article provides expert insights and betting analysis ahead of the Australian GP.
After reading, check out our partner sportsbooks to get valuable promotions and place your bets.
In addition to traditional sports betting on MotoGP, the Australian GP has Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) Real Money Gaming available in a Pick’Em style on Underdog. Although “fantasy games” might seem misleading, DFS is a significant and growing category within legal sports wagering. MotoGP fans are allowed to legally make better/worse picks with real money gaming in 30 states, including California, Texas & Wisconsin where traditional sports betting is currently illegal.
Schedule and How to Watch the MotoGP Australian GP
The Australian Grand Prix will be held from October 18-20, 2024, at Phillip Island, a coastal circuit renowned for high-speed corners and gusty winds that can drastically affect race outcomes. The race will take place on Sunday, October 20, with practice and qualifying sessions running through the weekend.
For the complete schedule and updates, be sure to visit the official MotoGP website.
To catch every thrilling moment of the Australian Grand Prix as it unfolds, check out MAX for live coverage, ensuring you don’t miss a single second of the drama. For the latest odds and previous results, be sure to check NXTbets.
Best Bets and Picks for the MotoGP Australian GP
Top Picks and Bets
Driver
Event Winner
$20 Payout
Francesco Bagnaia
+175
$55.00
Jorge Martin
+187
$57.40
Marc Marquez
+250
$70.00
Francesco Bagnaia (+175): Bagnaia arrives at Phillip Island in top form after clinching a crucial win in Japan. Known for his ability to manage tire wear and maintain a relentless pace, Bagnaia is well-suited for the high-speed nature of this circuit. His success in Japan highlighted his composure under pressure, a quality that will be essential on Phillip Island’s unpredictable layout. With the championship gap now down to just 10 points, Bagnaia will be looking to capitalize on this momentum to challenge for the top spot.
Jorge Martin (+187): Despite finishing second in Japan, Martin’s ability to recover from an 11th-place grid start shows why he remains a favorite. His aggressive riding style and quick starts make him a serious threat on Phillip Island’s fast straights. However, the challenge for Martin will be maintaining consistency through the race’s tricky weather conditions. If he can balance speed with strategy, Martin is poised to solidify his championship lead.
Marc Marquez (+250): Marquez secured another podium finish in Japan, showcasing his ability to fight through the pack. At Phillip Island, Marquez’s experience and fearless approach could give him an edge, especially if weather conditions deteriorate. Although the championship battle may be between Bagnaia and Martin, Marquez could disrupt the standings with a win, making him a valuable pick.
Outsider Bets
Driver
Event Winner
$20 Payout
Pedro Acosta
+1200
$260.00
Enea Bastianini
+1200
$260.00
Brad Binder
+2200
$460.00
Pedro Acosta (+1200): Despite crashing out in Japan, Acosta’s performance showed promise, particularly his pole position start. Phillip Island’s fast-paced nature could favor the rookie if he can keep his composure. As an outsider pick, Acosta offers high-reward potential given his recent form and ability to mix it up with the top riders.
Enea Bastianini (+1200): Bastianini narrowly missed the podium in Japan, finishing fourth after a hard-fought battle with Marquez. Known for his late-race pace, Bastianini could excel at Phillip Island, where managing tire degradation is crucial. His aggressive style makes him a wildcard, especially if the leaders encounter trouble.
Brad Binder (+2200): Binder’s sixth-place finish in Japan reflects his consistency, but Phillip Island offers an opportunity for more. With its fast corners favoring aggressive riders, Binder’s fearless approach could pay off. If conditions become chaotic, Binder is the type of rider who can seize the moment and fight for a podium spot.
Expert Pick for MotoGP Australia
Francesco Bagnaia is our Expert Pick for the Australian GP. His mastery of high-speed circuits and ability to manage tire wear make him well-suited for Phillip Island’s demanding layout. With momentum on his side, Bagnaia will be eager to narrow the 10-point gap to Martin. His strategic approach and race-day composure give him an edge, especially if conditions turn tricky, making him a prime contender for the top step.
Where to Bet on MotoGP
Visit our partner sportsbooks to access special deals that will elevate your betting experience as you anticipate the upcoming Australian GP. If you’re a newbie in the world of MotoGP betting, our comprehensive MotoGP Betting Guide is a must-read. Remember to enjoy the race and make your betting choices wisely. Betting responsibly ensures the fun lasts all season long.
As the MotoGP season heads into its final stretch, the Australian GP promises high drama and thrilling battles. With Phillip Island’s unpredictable conditions and high-speed layout, fans and bettors alike can expect an action-packed race. Stay tuned for more insights as the championship fight between Bagnaia and Martin heats up.
21+ Please refer to Affiliated Operators’s T&C. Void where prohibited. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
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As the dust settles over the Circuit of the Americas, the F1 circus doesn’t pause for breath, already turning its gaze towards the iconic turns of the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. The Austin race was nothing short of spectacular, where Max Verstappen showcased his tactical brilliance, carving his way from P6 to stand atop the podium …
Graham Webber named MotoGP Race Director for 2026
Dorna Sports confirmed a revised MotoGP Race Direction leadership lineup for the 2026 season, appointing Graham Webber as MotoGP Race Director and naming Jack Gorst as deputy Race Director while long-time MotoGP Race Director Mike Webb moves into a newly created Race Direction Coordinator role. Webb will remain based on site at Grands Prix and in the control room, and will serve as IRTA representative and secretary. The three will jointly lead a centralized Race Direction team that will operate across the 22-round 2026 calendar.
The reshuffle preserves continuity while introducing new primary decision-makers: Webber, who had served as deputy race director and previously directed Moto2, Moto3 and MotoE race direction, will helm MotoGP race direction in 2026; Webb has led MotoGP race direction since 2012 and maintained the post through the FIM stewards restructuring after the 2015 Sepang fallout. Jack Gorst, who joins the Event Management Committee alongside Webber, will serve as deputy. The Race Direction remit covers all Grand Prix classes and other on-track competitions staged at MotoGP events, including the newly listed Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup.
Dorna and the FIM also confirmed the wider Race Direction and governance team: Bartolome Alfonso will continue as FIM representative and Safety Officer, Loris Capirossi as MotoGP SEG representative, and Danny Aldridge remains GP Technical Director. The FIM MotoGP stewards panel will be chaired by Simon Crafar, with Andrés Somolinos as FIM MotoGP Chief Steward and Tamara Matko serving as a steward. The FIM Appeals Panel is composed of Ralph Bohnhorst, Raffaele De Fabritiis, Stuart Higgs and Franco Uncini, with Paul Duparc and Paul King named as reserves. Event Management Committee members include Giancarlo di Filippo (FIM Medical Director) and Dominique Hebrard (FIM GP Technical Representative). The Grand Prix Commission is led by MotoGP SEG CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta and the FIM Permanent Bureau by FIM President Jorge Viegas. Dorna noted the 22-round calendar opens Feb. 27–Mar. 1 at Chang International Circuit in Buriram, with a final pre-season test the weekend before and round two scheduled Mar. 20–22 at the Goiânia International Racetrack Ayrton Senna following circuit upgrades.
KTM weighs dropping Vinales from Tech3 at British GP
KTM is considering dropping Maverick Vinales from the Tech3 lineup as early as next weekend’s British Grand Prix, with Pol Espargaro on standby to step in and potentially keep the seat for the rest of 2026. The move is tied to Vinales’ shoulder injury from a Sachsenring crash in July 2026 and to growing tension with Tech3 CEO Guenther Steiner.
Contract uncertainty has also complicated the situation. Vinales was signed to race for Tech3 in 2025 and 2026 under a KTM-linked deal, and one report said he had a factory contract through 2027 before KTM backed away over fitness concerns. KTM had earlier promised him a promotion to the factory team after his strong start to 2025, but its signings of Alex Marquez and Fabio di Giannantonio left Vinales unsure about his future. Motorsport.com reported that KTM is looking for a way to part with him without triggering penalties, and that his Sachsenring race in July may have been his last MotoGP appearance. At Brno, Vinales said that if he does not continue in MotoGP, there is only one culprit: KTM. At the Czech Grand Prix, he added, “In the winter I was in the factory team, now I don’t even know where I am.”
Quartararo says Yamaha abandoned V4 development, halting upgrades
Fabio Quartararo has openly accused Yamaha of abandoning development of its new V4 MotoGP machine and said the bike remains “the same as it was in September 2025,” blaming a lack of reaction from the factory for his slide in form and a growing strain in relations. He said he does not expect a meaningful response from Yamaha this season after the late switch to the V4 layout, conceded “there is no point in always being angry,” and also downplayed any permanent damage to his relationship with the manufacturer while expressing gratitude toward Yamaha.
Quartararo identified grip and persistent front-end feel problems as the central factors undermining his results, and also flagged issues with turning, top speed, acceleration, cornering and aerodynamics. He said he had been faster at Le Mans and Catalunya when using Yamaha’s earlier front wing but expects few short-term fixes, adding “it’s going to be a long six months.” The criticism followed a difficult Mugello weekend where Quartararo scored no points and finished 18th, Jack Miller was 15th, Toprak Razgatlıoğlu 16th and Alex Rins crashed after qualifying for Q2. Reports vary on his championship position, with sources placing him 14th or 15th in the standings and one report listing 37 points, and he is on course for his lowest-ever season finish.
Yamaha has reallocated many resources toward a 2027 development project and the incoming 850cc era, a shift the factory says helps explain the dip in current-season competitiveness. Team principal Paolo Pavesio said “Balaton Park will reveal a lot about our potential,” casting the Hungarian round as a near-term test of whether Yamaha can stabilise performance while its long-term programme advances. Media reports also link Quartararo to a move to Honda next season, but that transfer has not been officially confirmed.