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.
David Almansa produced a dominant weekend at the 2026 Moto3 Thai Grand Prix in Buriram, claiming pole, topping final practice and then edging Máximo Quiles by 0.003 seconds in a dramatic 19-lap photo finish to win the season-opening race. Riding a Pirelli-shod Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP KTM, Almansa started from pole, led for much of the race and carried the better exit from the last corner to the line to secure victory — the closest Moto3 finish since the 2013 Australian Grand Prix.
Almansa set the tone in practice and qualifying: he topped Saturday morning FP2 with a 1:40.922 lap on the 4.55km Chang International Circuit (the only rider in the 1:40s in FP2) and then took pole with a 1:40.088 in qualifying, a time that eclipsed Jose Antonio Rueda’s 2025 all-time lap record of 1:40.350. FP2 placed Adrian Fernández and Máximo Quiles among the session leaders as well (reports list Fernández’s FP2 time as either 1:41.278 or 1:41.202), and Álvaro Carpe and Fernández filled the second and third slots on the grid with 1:40.518 and 1:40.693 respectively.
The race furnished tense moments and drama: Quiles, who had started fourth, briefly took the lead on lap 11 before running wide at Turn 1 and allowing Almansa back through; Quiles launched a last-corner attack but Almansa’s momentum to the line decided the outcome. Quiles finished a scant 0.003 seconds behind, while Valentín Perrone came home third 9.480 seconds back. Álvaro Carpe was fourth and Moto3 debutant Veda Pratama fifth; Adrian Fernández finished sixth. The result moved Almansa to the top of the Moto3 standings with 25 points, Quiles sat second on 20 and Perrone third on 16. The race also featured one retirement (Cormac Buchanan) and incidents including Ryusei Yamanaka and Guido Pini crashing earlier and remounting.
Jorge Lorenzo has signed on as Maverick Vinales’ performance coach in a full-time return to the MotoGP paddock for the 2026 season, a role the three-time world champion called the “perfect job.” Lorenzo said working seven to nine hours a day with Vinales was “not heavy, it’s a pleasure,” and that the position lets him apply roughly 30 years of motorcycle experience without the on-track risk. Since retiring at the end of 2019, he has hosted a MotoGP podcast, raced in the Porsche Supercup, and worked as a DAZN pundit, and he will accompany Vinales to pre-season tests and through the opening rounds of 2026.
Lorenzo has overseen an intensive winter program designed to rebuild Vinales’ form, beginning at the Sepang test and overhauling the rider’s preparation to push him beyond previous limits. The regimen included road-bike testing at Jerez, figure-of-eight drills and dirt riding in Valencia, deliberate work in wet and slippery conditions, and technical refinements such as throttle control and braking technique. Lorenzo shifted Vinales’ routine away from a fitness-only focus toward tougher practice scenarios and more focused technical work to restore race-to-race consistency.
The intervention responds to a difficult 2025 for Vinales, who rehabbed a shoulder injury sustained at the German Grand Prix, struggled for consistency, and finished 18th in the championship despite having 10 Grand Prix wins and 35 career podiums. Lorenzo said he aims to help Vinales regain the “killer” mentality he remembered from the rider’s youth, arguing that Vinales needs greater mental strength but that physical preparation and mindset improvements could turn him into a genuine contender. Lorenzo has publicly bet with Albert Valera, manager of Pedro Acosta, that Vinales will outscore Acosta across 2026. Acosta finished fourth overall with 12 podiums in 2025. Vinales is out of contract at the end of 2026, and Lorenzo warned the next two to three years could be a final window for a championship push as his renewed form will be watched closely amid rumours of KTM factory-seat reshuffles involving Acosta and Alex Marquez.
MotoGP officials confirmed a major calendar overhaul as Liberty Media, MotoGP’s new owners, will replace Phillip Island with a planned Adelaide circuit as part of a push for more city-center events. Liberty announced Phillip Island will no longer host the Australian Grand Prix, though reports differ on the timing — the announcement cites a change “from 2027,” while some reports say Phillip Island was removed from the 2026 calendar. Some outlets suggested Adelaide could take the season-finale slot while Valencia moves into the middle of the season.
The move provoked widespread criticism from riders, commentators and fans; commentator Keith Huewen called the loss “tragic.” Organizers acknowledged the decision has created uncertainty for local communities and supporters.
Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta defended the overhaul on safety grounds, saying “safety comes first,” and citing an increased number of accidents at Phillip Island and persistent wind and rain concerns. He said safety — not location alone — will determine which venues remain on the calendar, warning that Madrid’s IFEMA layout lacked required safety conditions and that Suzuka, while “a beautiful circuit,” could not remain under current safety standards. Organizers and circuit designer Jarno Zaffelli described the planned Adelaide layout as urban but not a true street circuit: Ezpeleta called it a “safe, non-street race,” and Zaffelli said it would not be a “true street circuit.” Liberty Media has signaled further calendar changes as it modernizes and globalizes MotoGP’s schedule, identifying at least one other unnamed circuit for removal; the dispute frames a broader clash between a push for more city-center events (and some street-style proposals) and defenders of traditional high-speed venues, with venue design and safety at the center of the debate.
“The new M1 doesn’t have a single strong point,” Fabio Quartararo said on the eve of the Brazilian Grand Prix, summing up Yamaha’s early-season struggles after switching to a V4 layout. Riders have repeatedly reported a lack of engine power and poor front-end feel, and Quartararo said the change has hurt one-lap performance compared with last year, when he still took four poles. Yamaha accepted an early-season performance drop after the layout change, and both Toprak Razgatlıoğlu—who attended the Jerez test on Michelin rubber—and Jack Miller have framed the package as a development project rather than a race-ready solution.
Yamaha’s between-races private test at Jerez and early Pirelli tyre work, partly focused on 2027 tyre development, produced no meaningful progress, riders say. On-track evidence underlined the problem: after the Thailand season-opener at Buriram Yamaha remained well adrift of rivals, with Quartararo the top Yamaha finisher in P14, and he and Alex Rins only scoring points largely because several front-runners retired. With Goiânia’s long corners and heavy braking points, riders warned that setup work would be especially important; Toprak said, “the M1 isn’t ready to compete, but I know things will be different in 2027,” and described ongoing adaptation via setup and gearbox changes.
For now the team plans to start weekends from the same baseline setup and use practice to make incremental adjustments rather than expecting a single track to deliver a quick fix. Yamaha hopes form will improve later in the season, possibly after the summer break, but anticipates more “suffering” in the short term. Off the track, Quartararo said he still enjoyed being in Brazil despite the technical frustrations.
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
Almansa wins Buriram Moto3 GP by 0.003s
David Almansa produced a dominant weekend at the 2026 Moto3 Thai Grand Prix in Buriram, claiming pole, topping final practice and then edging Máximo Quiles by 0.003 seconds in a dramatic 19-lap photo finish to win the season-opening race. Riding a Pirelli-shod Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP KTM, Almansa started from pole, led for much of the race and carried the better exit from the last corner to the line to secure victory — the closest Moto3 finish since the 2013 Australian Grand Prix.
Almansa set the tone in practice and qualifying: he topped Saturday morning FP2 with a 1:40.922 lap on the 4.55km Chang International Circuit (the only rider in the 1:40s in FP2) and then took pole with a 1:40.088 in qualifying, a time that eclipsed Jose Antonio Rueda’s 2025 all-time lap record of 1:40.350. FP2 placed Adrian Fernández and Máximo Quiles among the session leaders as well (reports list Fernández’s FP2 time as either 1:41.278 or 1:41.202), and Álvaro Carpe and Fernández filled the second and third slots on the grid with 1:40.518 and 1:40.693 respectively.
The race furnished tense moments and drama: Quiles, who had started fourth, briefly took the lead on lap 11 before running wide at Turn 1 and allowing Almansa back through; Quiles launched a last-corner attack but Almansa’s momentum to the line decided the outcome. Quiles finished a scant 0.003 seconds behind, while Valentín Perrone came home third 9.480 seconds back. Álvaro Carpe was fourth and Moto3 debutant Veda Pratama fifth; Adrian Fernández finished sixth. The result moved Almansa to the top of the Moto3 standings with 25 points, Quiles sat second on 20 and Perrone third on 16. The race also featured one retirement (Cormac Buchanan) and incidents including Ryusei Yamanaka and Guido Pini crashing earlier and remounting.
Lorenzo Returns as Vinales’ Full-time Coach for 2026 Tests
Jorge Lorenzo has signed on as Maverick Vinales’ performance coach in a full-time return to the MotoGP paddock for the 2026 season, a role the three-time world champion called the “perfect job.” Lorenzo said working seven to nine hours a day with Vinales was “not heavy, it’s a pleasure,” and that the position lets him apply roughly 30 years of motorcycle experience without the on-track risk. Since retiring at the end of 2019, he has hosted a MotoGP podcast, raced in the Porsche Supercup, and worked as a DAZN pundit, and he will accompany Vinales to pre-season tests and through the opening rounds of 2026.
Lorenzo has overseen an intensive winter program designed to rebuild Vinales’ form, beginning at the Sepang test and overhauling the rider’s preparation to push him beyond previous limits. The regimen included road-bike testing at Jerez, figure-of-eight drills and dirt riding in Valencia, deliberate work in wet and slippery conditions, and technical refinements such as throttle control and braking technique. Lorenzo shifted Vinales’ routine away from a fitness-only focus toward tougher practice scenarios and more focused technical work to restore race-to-race consistency.
The intervention responds to a difficult 2025 for Vinales, who rehabbed a shoulder injury sustained at the German Grand Prix, struggled for consistency, and finished 18th in the championship despite having 10 Grand Prix wins and 35 career podiums. Lorenzo said he aims to help Vinales regain the “killer” mentality he remembered from the rider’s youth, arguing that Vinales needs greater mental strength but that physical preparation and mindset improvements could turn him into a genuine contender. Lorenzo has publicly bet with Albert Valera, manager of Pedro Acosta, that Vinales will outscore Acosta across 2026. Acosta finished fourth overall with 12 podiums in 2025. Vinales is out of contract at the end of 2026, and Lorenzo warned the next two to three years could be a final window for a championship push as his renewed form will be watched closely amid rumours of KTM factory-seat reshuffles involving Acosta and Alex Marquez.
Liberty Media drops Phillip Island for Adelaide circuit
MotoGP officials confirmed a major calendar overhaul as Liberty Media, MotoGP’s new owners, will replace Phillip Island with a planned Adelaide circuit as part of a push for more city-center events. Liberty announced Phillip Island will no longer host the Australian Grand Prix, though reports differ on the timing — the announcement cites a change “from 2027,” while some reports say Phillip Island was removed from the 2026 calendar. Some outlets suggested Adelaide could take the season-finale slot while Valencia moves into the middle of the season.
The move provoked widespread criticism from riders, commentators and fans; commentator Keith Huewen called the loss “tragic.” Organizers acknowledged the decision has created uncertainty for local communities and supporters.
Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta defended the overhaul on safety grounds, saying “safety comes first,” and citing an increased number of accidents at Phillip Island and persistent wind and rain concerns. He said safety — not location alone — will determine which venues remain on the calendar, warning that Madrid’s IFEMA layout lacked required safety conditions and that Suzuka, while “a beautiful circuit,” could not remain under current safety standards. Organizers and circuit designer Jarno Zaffelli described the planned Adelaide layout as urban but not a true street circuit: Ezpeleta called it a “safe, non-street race,” and Zaffelli said it would not be a “true street circuit.” Liberty Media has signaled further calendar changes as it modernizes and globalizes MotoGP’s schedule, identifying at least one other unnamed circuit for removal; the dispute frames a broader clash between a push for more city-center events (and some street-style proposals) and defenders of traditional high-speed venues, with venue design and safety at the center of the debate.
Yamaha to use baseline setups, expects suffering
“The new M1 doesn’t have a single strong point,” Fabio Quartararo said on the eve of the Brazilian Grand Prix, summing up Yamaha’s early-season struggles after switching to a V4 layout. Riders have repeatedly reported a lack of engine power and poor front-end feel, and Quartararo said the change has hurt one-lap performance compared with last year, when he still took four poles. Yamaha accepted an early-season performance drop after the layout change, and both Toprak Razgatlıoğlu—who attended the Jerez test on Michelin rubber—and Jack Miller have framed the package as a development project rather than a race-ready solution.
Yamaha’s between-races private test at Jerez and early Pirelli tyre work, partly focused on 2027 tyre development, produced no meaningful progress, riders say. On-track evidence underlined the problem: after the Thailand season-opener at Buriram Yamaha remained well adrift of rivals, with Quartararo the top Yamaha finisher in P14, and he and Alex Rins only scoring points largely because several front-runners retired. With Goiânia’s long corners and heavy braking points, riders warned that setup work would be especially important; Toprak said, “the M1 isn’t ready to compete, but I know things will be different in 2027,” and described ongoing adaptation via setup and gearbox changes.
For now the team plans to start weekends from the same baseline setup and use practice to make incremental adjustments rather than expecting a single track to deliver a quick fix. Yamaha hopes form will improve later in the season, possibly after the summer break, but anticipates more “suffering” in the short term. Off the track, Quartararo said he still enjoyed being in Brazil despite the technical frustrations.