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 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.
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.
Pedro Acosta’s blistering single‑lap pace at Balaton Park underlined a growing split inside KTM, with Acosta dominating Friday running and qualifying second while team‑mate Brad Binder struggled and crashed in Q1. Acosta topped Friday practice with a 1:36.827, more than four‑tenths clear of the field and led FP2 by 0.413 seconds. He was the only KTM inside the top 10 on Friday, and Balaton Park’s twisty, stop‑and‑go layout played to his strong sector‑three speed. Binder crashed in Q1, started both the Sprint and the Grand Prix from 17th, and saw his one‑lap deficit to Acosta extend to the 30th occasion Acosta outqualified him since receiving a factory ride. TNT Sports pundit Neil Hodgson said Binder had “lost confidence.”
Qualifying underlined the contrast. Marc Márquez recovered from an earlier crash to snatch pole with a 1:36.785, edging Acosta by 0.053 seconds after Acosta made a late mistake in Q2. Four Ducati machines filled four of the top five grid slots, with Acosta’s KTM the lone non‑Ducati in the top five and preventing a full Ducati lockout. The weekend also revived questions about whether Acosta’s pace over a single lap can be turned into a first premier‑class Sunday win. Long‑run analysis after Friday was inconclusive, and Márquez’s medium‑tyre showing was flagged as a warning about longer‑run potential. Acosta himself said the sudden swing in form between Mugello and Balaton Park “makes no sense” and that the team must improve medium‑tyre race pace.
The results at Balaton Park fit a wider pattern of inconsistency for Acosta and KTM in 2026. Acosta has produced mixed outcomes this season, with one Sunday podium at the U.S. Grand Prix, a sprint victory in Thailand that was affected by a Márquez penalty, and four rostrums overall but no run of back‑to‑back podiums. Acosta is the only KTM rider inside the championship top ten, while Binder sits 12th. The Balaton round will test whether Acosta can convert his clear qualifying speed into a maiden grand prix victory or whether KTM’s weaknesses seen at Mugello will reassert themselves over a race distance.
MotoGP will stage a semi-official shakedown at the Petronas Sepang International Circuit from January 29–31. It is the first on-track running since the Valencia post-season test in 2025. The circuit will be open each day from 10:00 to 18:00 local time, giving participants up to eight hours daily to perform systems checks, evaluate updated bikes and collect early setup data ahead of the main collective test. Media access is tightly limited to the paddock and service road, and no live coverage is planned; motogp.com will publish daily round-ups instead.
The entry list is reduced after Honda moved from concession band D to C, a change that excludes Luca Marini and Joan Mir and leaves only a small group of full-season riders expected on track. The full-time riders most likely to attend include factory Yamahas Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins; Pramac riders Jack Miller and Toprak Razgatlioglu; and rookie Diogo Moreira, who is expected to run on the LCR Honda. Razgatlioglu is also classified as a rookie.
Yamaha, which holds Rank D concessions, will be a focal point. The factory is bringing a significant new V4 iteration with a redesigned frame and an aero package developed with feedback from its four affiliated riders. Toprak Razgatlioglu will also work on requested ergonomic changes.
Manufacturers are using Sepang for targeted program work rather than full-field testing. Honda will pursue development under Aleix Espargaro’s supervision while Taka Nakagami focuses on a separate 2027 850cc project. KTM plans a larger pre-season program led by Pol Espargaro with likely involvement from Dani Pedrosa. Ducati and Aprilia anticipate quieter shakedowns focused on their test riders, Michele Pirro and Lorenzo Savadori. Savadori is set to ride multiple Aprilias to cover for the injured Jorge Martin.
Overall, the shakedown is an initial, compact opportunity for teams to resolve technical issues and gain early technical impressions before the official collective test begins three days after the shakedown concludes.
Álvaro Carpe claimed pole for the Moto3 U.S. Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas with a lap of 2:12.107, putting him at the head of the grid set for Saturday’s race. Casey O’Gorman qualified second (2:12.519) and Valentin Perrone third (2:12.526); Veda Pratama was fourth (2:12.813) and Guido Pini fifth (2:12.837). Joel Esteban (2:12.869), Adrian Fernandez (2:12.917), Max Quiles (2:12.996), Rico Salmela (2:13.005) and Scott Ogden (2:13.244) completed the top ten, with Joel Kelso and Zen Mitani 11th and 12th respectively. Hakim Danish did not set a time during qualifying.
The 14-lap Moto3 race was won by Guido Pini, who claimed his maiden grand prix victory aboard a Pirelli-shod Leopard Racing Honda. A late four-rider breakaway of Max Quiles, Guido Pini, Valentin Perrone and Álvaro Carpe shaped the finish; Quiles led for much of the race before Pini — fourth down the back straight on the final lap — made a decisive pass at Turn 13 to move into the lead. Pini finished 0.056 seconds ahead of Quiles, with Carpe third (0.254 seconds behind Pini).
Álvaro Carpe attempted a late overtake on Perrone at the final corner, ran wide, recovered to third and publicly apologized to Perrone. Adrian Fernandez, who led early, slipped back to fifth. The top ten finishers were: 1) Guido Pini, 2) Max Quiles, 3) Álvaro Carpe, 4) Valentin Perrone, 5) Adrian Fernandez, 6) Adrian Cruces, 7) Rico Salmela, 8) Brian Uriarte, 9) Matteo Bertelle, 10) Scott Ogden. The result preserved Quiles’ position as championship leader; Quiles left COTA with 65 points, Carpe had 42 and Perrone 38, Quiles sitting 23 points clear of Carpe.
Reports varied from one source that named David Alonso as the winner at COTA for the CFMOTO Valresa Aspar Team, but the majority of race reports cited above record Guido Pini as the race winner and provide the finishing order and margins described here.
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.
Related Posts
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.
Acosta’s single-lap speed fuels Balaton hopes; race-tyre doubt remains
Pedro Acosta’s blistering single‑lap pace at Balaton Park underlined a growing split inside KTM, with Acosta dominating Friday running and qualifying second while team‑mate Brad Binder struggled and crashed in Q1. Acosta topped Friday practice with a 1:36.827, more than four‑tenths clear of the field and led FP2 by 0.413 seconds. He was the only KTM inside the top 10 on Friday, and Balaton Park’s twisty, stop‑and‑go layout played to his strong sector‑three speed. Binder crashed in Q1, started both the Sprint and the Grand Prix from 17th, and saw his one‑lap deficit to Acosta extend to the 30th occasion Acosta outqualified him since receiving a factory ride. TNT Sports pundit Neil Hodgson said Binder had “lost confidence.”
Qualifying underlined the contrast. Marc Márquez recovered from an earlier crash to snatch pole with a 1:36.785, edging Acosta by 0.053 seconds after Acosta made a late mistake in Q2. Four Ducati machines filled four of the top five grid slots, with Acosta’s KTM the lone non‑Ducati in the top five and preventing a full Ducati lockout. The weekend also revived questions about whether Acosta’s pace over a single lap can be turned into a first premier‑class Sunday win. Long‑run analysis after Friday was inconclusive, and Márquez’s medium‑tyre showing was flagged as a warning about longer‑run potential. Acosta himself said the sudden swing in form between Mugello and Balaton Park “makes no sense” and that the team must improve medium‑tyre race pace.
The results at Balaton Park fit a wider pattern of inconsistency for Acosta and KTM in 2026. Acosta has produced mixed outcomes this season, with one Sunday podium at the U.S. Grand Prix, a sprint victory in Thailand that was affected by a Márquez penalty, and four rostrums overall but no run of back‑to‑back podiums. Acosta is the only KTM rider inside the championship top ten, while Binder sits 12th. The Balaton round will test whether Acosta can convert his clear qualifying speed into a maiden grand prix victory or whether KTM’s weaknesses seen at Mugello will reassert themselves over a race distance.
Three-day Sepang Shakedown Set to Limit Media Access
MotoGP will stage a semi-official shakedown at the Petronas Sepang International Circuit from January 29–31. It is the first on-track running since the Valencia post-season test in 2025. The circuit will be open each day from 10:00 to 18:00 local time, giving participants up to eight hours daily to perform systems checks, evaluate updated bikes and collect early setup data ahead of the main collective test. Media access is tightly limited to the paddock and service road, and no live coverage is planned; motogp.com will publish daily round-ups instead.
The entry list is reduced after Honda moved from concession band D to C, a change that excludes Luca Marini and Joan Mir and leaves only a small group of full-season riders expected on track. The full-time riders most likely to attend include factory Yamahas Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins; Pramac riders Jack Miller and Toprak Razgatlioglu; and rookie Diogo Moreira, who is expected to run on the LCR Honda. Razgatlioglu is also classified as a rookie.
Yamaha, which holds Rank D concessions, will be a focal point. The factory is bringing a significant new V4 iteration with a redesigned frame and an aero package developed with feedback from its four affiliated riders. Toprak Razgatlioglu will also work on requested ergonomic changes.
Manufacturers are using Sepang for targeted program work rather than full-field testing. Honda will pursue development under Aleix Espargaro’s supervision while Taka Nakagami focuses on a separate 2027 850cc project. KTM plans a larger pre-season program led by Pol Espargaro with likely involvement from Dani Pedrosa. Ducati and Aprilia anticipate quieter shakedowns focused on their test riders, Michele Pirro and Lorenzo Savadori. Savadori is set to ride multiple Aprilias to cover for the injured Jorge Martin.
Overall, the shakedown is an initial, compact opportunity for teams to resolve technical issues and gain early technical impressions before the official collective test begins three days after the shakedown concludes.
Pini overtakes Quiles at Turn 13 to win by 0.056s
Álvaro Carpe claimed pole for the Moto3 U.S. Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas with a lap of 2:12.107, putting him at the head of the grid set for Saturday’s race. Casey O’Gorman qualified second (2:12.519) and Valentin Perrone third (2:12.526); Veda Pratama was fourth (2:12.813) and Guido Pini fifth (2:12.837). Joel Esteban (2:12.869), Adrian Fernandez (2:12.917), Max Quiles (2:12.996), Rico Salmela (2:13.005) and Scott Ogden (2:13.244) completed the top ten, with Joel Kelso and Zen Mitani 11th and 12th respectively. Hakim Danish did not set a time during qualifying.
The 14-lap Moto3 race was won by Guido Pini, who claimed his maiden grand prix victory aboard a Pirelli-shod Leopard Racing Honda. A late four-rider breakaway of Max Quiles, Guido Pini, Valentin Perrone and Álvaro Carpe shaped the finish; Quiles led for much of the race before Pini — fourth down the back straight on the final lap — made a decisive pass at Turn 13 to move into the lead. Pini finished 0.056 seconds ahead of Quiles, with Carpe third (0.254 seconds behind Pini).
Álvaro Carpe attempted a late overtake on Perrone at the final corner, ran wide, recovered to third and publicly apologized to Perrone. Adrian Fernandez, who led early, slipped back to fifth. The top ten finishers were: 1) Guido Pini, 2) Max Quiles, 3) Álvaro Carpe, 4) Valentin Perrone, 5) Adrian Fernandez, 6) Adrian Cruces, 7) Rico Salmela, 8) Brian Uriarte, 9) Matteo Bertelle, 10) Scott Ogden. The result preserved Quiles’ position as championship leader; Quiles left COTA with 65 points, Carpe had 42 and Perrone 38, Quiles sitting 23 points clear of Carpe.
Reports varied from one source that named David Alonso as the winner at COTA for the CFMOTO Valresa Aspar Team, but the majority of race reports cited above record Guido Pini as the race winner and provide the finishing order and margins described here.