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.
MotoGP confirmed its full 2026 testing program, outlining preseason activity, four in-season test days, and the framework for introducing Pirelli as the series’ tire supplier in 2027.
Preseason will begin with a Sepang shakedown (January 29–31), followed by the official Sepang test (February 3–5) and a Season Launch in Kuala Lumpur on February 7. Teams will then run a final two-day pre-race test at Buriram (February 21–22) before the opening round at the PT Grand Prix of Thailand (February 27–Mar 1).
The calendar includes four in-season test days: two official post-race tests using current-season Michelin tyres. The first is scheduled for April 27 at Jerez (after the Spanish GP) and then May 18 at Barcelona (after the Catalan GP), which will also serve as the final official tests for the 1,000cc bikes. Two non-official tests will see Pirelli-run evaluations of the 2027 tire package on the Mondays after the Czech and Austrian GPs, on June 22 and September 21, respectively. The Pirelli sessions are non-official (no live timing) and are intended solely to assess the incoming supplier’s tire package.
MotoGP noted Pirelli first ran MotoGP machinery in a private Misano test in 2025 and highlighted Pirelli’s wider motorsport role as a current F1 supplier and the sole WorldSBK supplier since 2004. The series also confirmed the 2027 preseason will begin on Tuesday after the Valencia GP (November 24), tying next year’s start directly to the 2026 finale.
Ducati has decided to move 21-year-old Fermin Aldeguer from Gresini to Valentino Rossi’s VR46 squad for 2027, a manufacturer-driven reshuffle that includes factory machinery, a new livery and a contract option extended through 2028. Aldeguer, the 2025 Rookie of the Year who finished eighth overall and scored a Grand Prix victory in Indonesia, was reportedly denied a promised factory bike for 2026 and is said to have preferred to stay at Gresini. VR46 team principal Uccio Salucci confirmed interest at the United States GP, calling Aldeguer “a fantastic rider,” while Ducati’s activation of VR46’s factory-supported option for 2027 was a decisive factor in the move.
Gresini owner Nadia Padovani reacted strongly to the transfer, with sources saying the switch left her team needing two riders for 2027 after Alex Márquez’s expected departure to KTM. Padovani publicly rejected the idea that Ducati could force Nicolo Bulega onto Gresini, saying she would only sign Bulega if he were the best option; Bulega has been linked to MotoGP interest and is noted as a 26-year-old World Superbike front-runner with a dominant start to his season. Faced with a constrained pool of suitable replacements and limited manufacturer alternatives, Gresini briefly considered leaving Ducati and held talks with Honda and Aprilia, but after assessing realistic options moved toward renewing its Ducati deal.
Reports name Enea Bastianini and Moto2 prospect Daniel Holgado among riders linked to Gresini’s reorganization. The episode underscored the growing influence of manufacturers in shaping satellite-team lineups and the strategic value of factory support: Ducati reportedly mediated the rivalry between the teams as shifting alliances and contract timing reshaped bargaining power, and observers noted that a single high-profile rider movement can force rapid strategy changes in a market where top-level riders are scarce and factory backing remains a decisive advantage in MotoGP’s satellite ecosystem.
Marc Márquez’s future in MotoGP is uncertain as he balances recovery from repeated, serious injuries with ongoing contract negotiations. He has said, “I know I’ll be ending my sporting career on two wheels,” described himself as being in his “final dance,” and acknowledged he is “limited more by my body than by my mind.” He also says renewal talks with Ducati “are going well,” but there is no concrete news; reports say his current deal is expiring, he has requested a one-plus-one contract rather than a long-term deal, and he plans to wait until he is fully recovered before deciding.
Márquez’s caution is rooted in a difficult medical history. He underwent four major operations over two years after a 2020 right humerus fracture. In 2025 he suffered a season-ending shoulder problem — including a coracoid fracture, ligament damage and a broken collarbone — after being taken out at Mandalika by Marco Bezzecchi; that incident required surgery in October. He returned to a MotoGP machine at the Sepang test in February and made his racing comeback at the Thailand Grand Prix, where he finished second in the sprint before a tire failure ended a Grand Prix podium bid. He continues extra training and physiotherapy.
Outside observers differ on how long Márquez will continue. Former rider Alex Barros suggested Márquez could consider retirement even if he defends the 2026 title, citing lingering shoulder issues and the potential arrival of Pedro Acosta at Ducati in 2027, while framing that view as speculation. Promoter and pundit Carlo Pernat said he saw “fear” in Márquez’s eyes after recent injuries but predicted he would race “another year or two,” noting the rider remains fast enough to beat most rivals while warning that rising talents such as Acosta could reshape the rivalry ahead. Despite the setbacks, Márquez remains competitive for Ducati, having secured his seventh MotoGP title in 2025 and becoming the oldest rider to claim the championship.
Marco Bezzecchi enters the Michelin Grand Prix of France at Le Mans with an 11-point championship lead over teammate Jorge Martin after finishing second in Jerez, a margin that frames the weekend as a crucial junction in the 2026 title fight. Bezzecchi’s winning streak ended in Spain, but Aprilia’s strength was clear as all four of its bikes finished inside the top six at Jerez. Ducati showed pace with a Sprint 1-2 at Jerez and will seek to close the gap after Alex Márquez’s Spanish GP victory and a positive Jerez test, but the manufacturer also suffered a double DNF in the main race that left Francesco Bagnaia 44 points adrift. Marc Márquez crashed and failed to finish in Spain, complicating his own championship defense, while Fabio Di Giannantonio moved up to third in the standings and Pedro Acosta slipped to 10th.
The French round, the fifth of the season, runs Friday May 8 through Sunday May 10 at the Bugatti circuit and features a sprint race on Saturday and a 25-lap Grand Prix on Sunday. Organizers expect a capacity, vocal home crowd and have programmed a full paddock schedule beginning with Thursday’s Media Day and continuing through a packed weekend of track action and fan activities. French riders Johann Zarco and Fabio Quartararo will be in the spotlight for the home fans, with Zarco, last year’s Le Mans winner, listed as a potential factor if rain arrives. Teams are monitoring the unpredictable weather at Le Mans as a possible wildcard.
The paddock also reported a late lineup change as Jonas Folger will make a surprise MotoGP return at Le Mans, replacing the injured Maverick Viñales for the Red Bull KTM Tech3 squad. Fans can follow the weekend live as MotoGP’s VideoPass will stream all sessions, with UK viewers able to watch on TNT Sports via HBO Max and catch highlights on Quest. Crash.net will provide live text updates throughout the weekend.
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
MotoGP Confirms 2026 Test Slate with Pirelli Trials
MotoGP confirmed its full 2026 testing program, outlining preseason activity, four in-season test days, and the framework for introducing Pirelli as the series’ tire supplier in 2027.
Preseason will begin with a Sepang shakedown (January 29–31), followed by the official Sepang test (February 3–5) and a Season Launch in Kuala Lumpur on February 7. Teams will then run a final two-day pre-race test at Buriram (February 21–22) before the opening round at the PT Grand Prix of Thailand (February 27–Mar 1).
The calendar includes four in-season test days: two official post-race tests using current-season Michelin tyres. The first is scheduled for April 27 at Jerez (after the Spanish GP) and then May 18 at Barcelona (after the Catalan GP), which will also serve as the final official tests for the 1,000cc bikes. Two non-official tests will see Pirelli-run evaluations of the 2027 tire package on the Mondays after the Czech and Austrian GPs, on June 22 and September 21, respectively. The Pirelli sessions are non-official (no live timing) and are intended solely to assess the incoming supplier’s tire package.
MotoGP noted Pirelli first ran MotoGP machinery in a private Misano test in 2025 and highlighted Pirelli’s wider motorsport role as a current F1 supplier and the sole WorldSBK supplier since 2004. The series also confirmed the 2027 preseason will begin on Tuesday after the Valencia GP (November 24), tying next year’s start directly to the 2026 finale.
Ducati moves Aldeguer to VR46, increasing Gresini tensions
Ducati has decided to move 21-year-old Fermin Aldeguer from Gresini to Valentino Rossi’s VR46 squad for 2027, a manufacturer-driven reshuffle that includes factory machinery, a new livery and a contract option extended through 2028. Aldeguer, the 2025 Rookie of the Year who finished eighth overall and scored a Grand Prix victory in Indonesia, was reportedly denied a promised factory bike for 2026 and is said to have preferred to stay at Gresini. VR46 team principal Uccio Salucci confirmed interest at the United States GP, calling Aldeguer “a fantastic rider,” while Ducati’s activation of VR46’s factory-supported option for 2027 was a decisive factor in the move.
Gresini owner Nadia Padovani reacted strongly to the transfer, with sources saying the switch left her team needing two riders for 2027 after Alex Márquez’s expected departure to KTM. Padovani publicly rejected the idea that Ducati could force Nicolo Bulega onto Gresini, saying she would only sign Bulega if he were the best option; Bulega has been linked to MotoGP interest and is noted as a 26-year-old World Superbike front-runner with a dominant start to his season. Faced with a constrained pool of suitable replacements and limited manufacturer alternatives, Gresini briefly considered leaving Ducati and held talks with Honda and Aprilia, but after assessing realistic options moved toward renewing its Ducati deal.
Reports name Enea Bastianini and Moto2 prospect Daniel Holgado among riders linked to Gresini’s reorganization. The episode underscored the growing influence of manufacturers in shaping satellite-team lineups and the strategic value of factory support: Ducati reportedly mediated the rivalry between the teams as shifting alliances and contract timing reshaped bargaining power, and observers noted that a single high-profile rider movement can force rapid strategy changes in a market where top-level riders are scarce and factory backing remains a decisive advantage in MotoGP’s satellite ecosystem.
Marc Márquez Weighs Retirement Amid Injuries, Ducati Talks
Marc Márquez’s future in MotoGP is uncertain as he balances recovery from repeated, serious injuries with ongoing contract negotiations. He has said, “I know I’ll be ending my sporting career on two wheels,” described himself as being in his “final dance,” and acknowledged he is “limited more by my body than by my mind.” He also says renewal talks with Ducati “are going well,” but there is no concrete news; reports say his current deal is expiring, he has requested a one-plus-one contract rather than a long-term deal, and he plans to wait until he is fully recovered before deciding.
Márquez’s caution is rooted in a difficult medical history. He underwent four major operations over two years after a 2020 right humerus fracture. In 2025 he suffered a season-ending shoulder problem — including a coracoid fracture, ligament damage and a broken collarbone — after being taken out at Mandalika by Marco Bezzecchi; that incident required surgery in October. He returned to a MotoGP machine at the Sepang test in February and made his racing comeback at the Thailand Grand Prix, where he finished second in the sprint before a tire failure ended a Grand Prix podium bid. He continues extra training and physiotherapy.
Outside observers differ on how long Márquez will continue. Former rider Alex Barros suggested Márquez could consider retirement even if he defends the 2026 title, citing lingering shoulder issues and the potential arrival of Pedro Acosta at Ducati in 2027, while framing that view as speculation. Promoter and pundit Carlo Pernat said he saw “fear” in Márquez’s eyes after recent injuries but predicted he would race “another year or two,” noting the rider remains fast enough to beat most rivals while warning that rising talents such as Acosta could reshape the rivalry ahead. Despite the setbacks, Márquez remains competitive for Ducati, having secured his seventh MotoGP title in 2025 and becoming the oldest rider to claim the championship.
Jonas Folger returns to MotoGP for KTM at Le Mans
Marco Bezzecchi enters the Michelin Grand Prix of France at Le Mans with an 11-point championship lead over teammate Jorge Martin after finishing second in Jerez, a margin that frames the weekend as a crucial junction in the 2026 title fight. Bezzecchi’s winning streak ended in Spain, but Aprilia’s strength was clear as all four of its bikes finished inside the top six at Jerez. Ducati showed pace with a Sprint 1-2 at Jerez and will seek to close the gap after Alex Márquez’s Spanish GP victory and a positive Jerez test, but the manufacturer also suffered a double DNF in the main race that left Francesco Bagnaia 44 points adrift. Marc Márquez crashed and failed to finish in Spain, complicating his own championship defense, while Fabio Di Giannantonio moved up to third in the standings and Pedro Acosta slipped to 10th.
The French round, the fifth of the season, runs Friday May 8 through Sunday May 10 at the Bugatti circuit and features a sprint race on Saturday and a 25-lap Grand Prix on Sunday. Organizers expect a capacity, vocal home crowd and have programmed a full paddock schedule beginning with Thursday’s Media Day and continuing through a packed weekend of track action and fan activities. French riders Johann Zarco and Fabio Quartararo will be in the spotlight for the home fans, with Zarco, last year’s Le Mans winner, listed as a potential factor if rain arrives. Teams are monitoring the unpredictable weather at Le Mans as a possible wildcard.
The paddock also reported a late lineup change as Jonas Folger will make a surprise MotoGP return at Le Mans, replacing the injured Maverick Viñales for the Red Bull KTM Tech3 squad. Fans can follow the weekend live as MotoGP’s VideoPass will stream all sessions, with UK viewers able to watch on TNT Sports via HBO Max and catch highlights on Quest. Crash.net will provide live text updates throughout the weekend.