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.
Marc Márquez’s stay at Ducati has shifted from likely to near-certain after his dominant 2025 season and subsequent reporting. He finished 2025 with 11 Grand Prix wins, 15 Sprint wins, eight poles, and 15 podiums, securing the world title with rounds to spare. Multiple outlets and Ducati’s presentation in Madonna di Campiglio have pushed the odds of a two-year extension to roughly 90 percent, with team and paddock comments saying Ducati aims to formalize the deal before the 2026 season, preferably after the Sepang tests in Kuala Lumpur. However, a small chance remains that he could stay with Honda.
Márquez himself has described a “9 out of 10” chance of renewal, and said he would not veto a teammate, before stating that staying with Ducati is his first option for 2027. He signalled he may delay a final decision while weighing professional and personal considerations, and confirmed that any move would be for two years. The “Ant of Cervera” noted that manufacturers are increasingly shaping rider placements, and said he is targeting a return to full fitness after the right-shoulder injury that ended his 2025 campaign.
Ducati’s push to lock Márquez in is already affecting its current lineup. Francesco Bagnaia, who struggled in 2025 and finished fifth in the standings, is under pressure, with reports suggesting a likely salary cut. It is also rumored that he’s considering offers from Honda or Yamaha if Ducati changes its pairing. The factory is publicly evaluating candidates for the other 2027 seat, with Pedro Acosta frequently named as the frontrunner. Acosta has been described as “very keen” to join Ducati, and the factory is said to reciprocate. Claims that Acosta has already been signed for 2027 circulated after comments from Massimo Rivola, and outlets have also mentioned Nicolò Bulega as a conditional option should he succeed in World Superbike. An Acosta arrival would reshape Ducati’s long-term pairing and could create the manufacturer’s first all-Spanish lineup, as the team balances sporting needs and commercial pressures while defending the title.
Those Ducati decisions are reverberating across the MotoGP market. Pundits and teams view Márquez’s signature as a pivotal trigger for a domino effect that could reconfigure seats involving riders such as Fabio Quartararo, Joan Mir, and Maverick Viñales. Marco Bezzecchi is widely expected to remain at Aprilia. Honda, having lost the prospect of Márquez’s return, is reported to be preparing an aggressive recruitment response described in the paddock as a “big, fat chequebook.” The Japanese outfit is said to be targeting names such as Pedro Acosta and David Alonso and, if necessary, promoting talent like Diogo Moreira from within. Journalists are also discussing retention or reshuffle possibilities for riders, including Luca Marini and Johann Zarco. With most top contracts expiring at the end of 2026 and new technical regulations due in 2027, teams and manufacturers are moving quickly; several commentators expect the two or three most sought-after 2027 deals to be settled well before the season opener in Buriram, setting the stage for an active silly season ahead of the 2026 season.
The echoes of the Grand Prix of Japan still resonate, a race where Jorge Martin, our Expert Pick for that event, triumphed amidst the relentless rain, carving through the Motegi track with precision. His victory closed the gap to championship leader Francesco Bagnaia to just three points, igniting an intense championship battle. As the intensity …
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 …
Yamaha has abandoned its long-used crossplane inline-four and switched the M1 to a V4 for the 2026 MotoGP season, a move framed internally as a shift from a contingency “plan B” to the primary strategy. Managing director Paolo Pavesio said the change was driven by the forthcoming 2027 technical regulations—notably a 50 mm reduction in front-fairing width and much tighter aerodynamic limits—that effectively leave an inline-four “no room for wings,” a position echoed by Monster Yamaha director Massimo Meregalli. While cylinder configuration is not explicitly banned, Yamaha concluded the V4 was the practical response to the new aero constraints and to prepare for the transition to an 850cc era that will follow the final year of 1000cc competition.
On track, Yamaha has already begun evaluating the V4: the new layout topped the Sepang shakedown day two timesheets with Jack Miller, and Fabio Quartararo finished as the fastest Yamaha at the end of the shakedown, about 0.5 seconds behind Honda test rider Aleix Espargaro. Toprak Razgatlioglu used the shakedown day to reacquaint himself with the circuit while Yamaha ran a structured test program across eight bikes to converge on an optimal package and supply equal equipment to all four riders. The factory plans to assess the V4 against the full 2026 grid during the Official Sepang test, and it has scheduled a first 850cc track run in private tests in early spring as parallel development of the smaller-displacement M1 continues.
Yamaha accelerated investment in personnel after slipping from title contention, hiring figures such as Max Bartolini and supporting a recovery that delivered a return to pole, a long-awaited podium and roughly doubled season points in 2025. Pavesio expects the V4 to bring more consistent race performance even if single-lap speed is initially lower, and he anticipates continued performance growth through 2026. By repositioning its technical strategy around a V4 architecture alongside ongoing 850 work, Yamaha has made a significant shift in engine development that could reshape competitive dynamics as teams adapt to the new regulations.
Best Bets: MotoGP Australian GP 2024 Pre-Event Odds Analysis
Table of Contents
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 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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Marc Márquez Nears Two-Year Renewal With Ducati After 2025 Title
Marc Márquez’s stay at Ducati has shifted from likely to near-certain after his dominant 2025 season and subsequent reporting. He finished 2025 with 11 Grand Prix wins, 15 Sprint wins, eight poles, and 15 podiums, securing the world title with rounds to spare. Multiple outlets and Ducati’s presentation in Madonna di Campiglio have pushed the odds of a two-year extension to roughly 90 percent, with team and paddock comments saying Ducati aims to formalize the deal before the 2026 season, preferably after the Sepang tests in Kuala Lumpur. However, a small chance remains that he could stay with Honda.
Márquez himself has described a “9 out of 10” chance of renewal, and said he would not veto a teammate, before stating that staying with Ducati is his first option for 2027. He signalled he may delay a final decision while weighing professional and personal considerations, and confirmed that any move would be for two years. The “Ant of Cervera” noted that manufacturers are increasingly shaping rider placements, and said he is targeting a return to full fitness after the right-shoulder injury that ended his 2025 campaign.
Ducati’s push to lock Márquez in is already affecting its current lineup. Francesco Bagnaia, who struggled in 2025 and finished fifth in the standings, is under pressure, with reports suggesting a likely salary cut. It is also rumored that he’s considering offers from Honda or Yamaha if Ducati changes its pairing. The factory is publicly evaluating candidates for the other 2027 seat, with Pedro Acosta frequently named as the frontrunner. Acosta has been described as “very keen” to join Ducati, and the factory is said to reciprocate. Claims that Acosta has already been signed for 2027 circulated after comments from Massimo Rivola, and outlets have also mentioned Nicolò Bulega as a conditional option should he succeed in World Superbike. An Acosta arrival would reshape Ducati’s long-term pairing and could create the manufacturer’s first all-Spanish lineup, as the team balances sporting needs and commercial pressures while defending the title.
Those Ducati decisions are reverberating across the MotoGP market. Pundits and teams view Márquez’s signature as a pivotal trigger for a domino effect that could reconfigure seats involving riders such as Fabio Quartararo, Joan Mir, and Maverick Viñales. Marco Bezzecchi is widely expected to remain at Aprilia. Honda, having lost the prospect of Márquez’s return, is reported to be preparing an aggressive recruitment response described in the paddock as a “big, fat chequebook.” The Japanese outfit is said to be targeting names such as Pedro Acosta and David Alonso and, if necessary, promoting talent like Diogo Moreira from within. Journalists are also discussing retention or reshuffle possibilities for riders, including Luca Marini and Johann Zarco. With most top contracts expiring at the end of 2026 and new technical regulations due in 2027, teams and manufacturers are moving quickly; several commentators expect the two or three most sought-after 2027 deals to be settled well before the season opener in Buriram, setting the stage for an active silly season ahead of the 2026 season.
Best Bets: 2023 MotoGP Indonesian Grand Prix Pre-Event Odds
The echoes of the Grand Prix of Japan still resonate, a race where Jorge Martin, our Expert Pick for that event, triumphed amidst the relentless rain, carving through the Motegi track with precision. His victory closed the gap to championship leader Francesco Bagnaia to just three points, igniting an intense championship battle. As the intensity …
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 …
Yamaha switches M1 to V4 over 2027 aero rules
Yamaha has abandoned its long-used crossplane inline-four and switched the M1 to a V4 for the 2026 MotoGP season, a move framed internally as a shift from a contingency “plan B” to the primary strategy. Managing director Paolo Pavesio said the change was driven by the forthcoming 2027 technical regulations—notably a 50 mm reduction in front-fairing width and much tighter aerodynamic limits—that effectively leave an inline-four “no room for wings,” a position echoed by Monster Yamaha director Massimo Meregalli. While cylinder configuration is not explicitly banned, Yamaha concluded the V4 was the practical response to the new aero constraints and to prepare for the transition to an 850cc era that will follow the final year of 1000cc competition.
On track, Yamaha has already begun evaluating the V4: the new layout topped the Sepang shakedown day two timesheets with Jack Miller, and Fabio Quartararo finished as the fastest Yamaha at the end of the shakedown, about 0.5 seconds behind Honda test rider Aleix Espargaro. Toprak Razgatlioglu used the shakedown day to reacquaint himself with the circuit while Yamaha ran a structured test program across eight bikes to converge on an optimal package and supply equal equipment to all four riders. The factory plans to assess the V4 against the full 2026 grid during the Official Sepang test, and it has scheduled a first 850cc track run in private tests in early spring as parallel development of the smaller-displacement M1 continues.
Yamaha accelerated investment in personnel after slipping from title contention, hiring figures such as Max Bartolini and supporting a recovery that delivered a return to pole, a long-awaited podium and roughly doubled season points in 2025. Pavesio expects the V4 to bring more consistent race performance even if single-lap speed is initially lower, and he anticipates continued performance growth through 2026. By repositioning its technical strategy around a V4 architecture alongside ongoing 850 work, Yamaha has made a significant shift in engine development that could reshape competitive dynamics as teams adapt to the new regulations.