The 2024 MotoGP Barcelona race has arrived, signaling the finale to an enthralling season of racing. Ducati has wrapped up the constructors and team championships, but like in 2023, the rider’s title is going down to the last race. The pre-event odds favor Bagnaia for victory in Catalonia, although Jorge Martin should have enough in the tank to claim the rider’s championship.
Valencia was initially the host venue for finals weekend as per usual, but the organizers have done an incredible job of changing tracks at the last minute.
After reading our analysis, check out ourpartner sportsbooks to get valuable promotions and place your bets.
In addition to traditional sports betting on MotoGP, the Motul Solidarity Grand Prix of Barcelona 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 Finale in Barcelona
The final race weekend of 2024 has arrived, and the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is ready to put on a show. Practice gets underway on Friday, November 15th, at 4:45am EST and concludes with the race at 8am on Sunday, the 17th.
An all-important sprint race is on the cards for Saturday, November 16th, at 9am East Coast time. Martin could put the rider’s championship out of the reach of Bagnaia if he earns 2 points more than the Italian.
ESPN is covering all the Motul Solidarity Grand Prix of Barcelona from Friday to Sunday. This allows you to keep up with the practice and qualifying results to make better-informed picks for the Moto GP contest.
Best Bets and Picks for the 2024 MotoGP Barcelona
Top Picks and Bets
Driver
Event Winner
$20 Payout
Francesco Bagnaia
-138
$34.39
Jorge Martin
+320
$84.00
Marc Marquez
+350
$90.00
Francesco Bagnaia (-138):
The 2023 Champion is the favorite to win in Barcelona after winning 3 of his last 4 races. Bagnaia also outclassed Martin at this track earlier in the year during the Catalunya Grand Prix when he crossed the line 1.7 seconds ahead of his opponent.
Jorge Martin (+320):
The Madrileño is the epitome of consistency this season, finishing on the podium fifteen times. Jorge Martin has often played second fiddle to Pecco this season, finishing runner-up in 10 starts, but he also has 3 wins to his name. While he should get over the line in the rider’s championship, I struggle to see him winning on Sunday.
Marc Marquez (+350):
Veteran rider Marc Marquez hasn’t produced the same level of consistency this season as the championship leaders. However, the local excels in front of his home crowd, finishing on the podium in every race inside his native land in 2024. Although Marc can’t win the rider’s championship, he needs to fend off Enea Bastianini, who is one point behind him in 4th.
Outsider Bets
Driver
Event Winner
$20 Payout
Enea Bastianini
+1100
$240.00
Pedro Acosta
+2200
$460.00
Brad Binder
+5000
$1,020.00
Enea Bastianini (+1100):
Ducati rider Enea Bastianini has enjoyed a relatively consistent season. He’s won twice and landed on the podium 9 times this season, highlighting his constant threat. His biggest priority this weekend is to overtake Marquez on the track and in the drivers championship.
Pedro Acosta (+2200):
Young Murciano Pedro Acosta has found himself in a tussle for 5th place in the championship with Brad Binder. The Spaniard has produced a relatively tame season but still stood on the podium 5 times. He leads Binder by 3 points and will need a strong weekend to hold onto fifth.
Brad Binder (+5000):
The season started promisingly for Brad Binder, placing second in the opening race of the year. That would be the last time he felt the material of a podium in 2024, but somehow, he keeps himself in with a shot of closing out the year in the top 5. He is an outsider this weekend, but his big-match temperament always makes him a contender.
Expert Pick for the MotoGP Barcelona
Our expert pick for Barcelona is Marc Marquez to win, at +350. His odds are more favorable than the dominant duo of Martin and Bagnaia,and the Spaniard seems to produce his best in front of the fans who have made him a MotoGP legend. Home track advantage aside, Marquez has 3 wins under his helmet in 2024 and 9 podium finishes.
Riders’ Championship Odds for Barcelona
There are some interesting battles to watch this finale weekend, with the standings far from finalized. In the middle of the table, there is a 5-way battle for 8th place between Di Giannantonio, Morbidelli, Alex Marquez, Espargaro, and Bezzechi.
Further up the table, Brad Binder is chasing down Acosta in fifth, while Marc Marquez and Bastianini compete for third place. There is much to follow this weekend, but most eyes will be on the top spot.
Jorge Martin leads the Riders Championship by 24 points and only needs 2 points more than Francesco in the Sprint on Saturday. If Jorge can finish one position higher than the Italian in the short race, he will claim the title before the lights turn green in the finale on Sunday.
Where to Bet on MotoGP
Visit our partner sportsbooksto access special deals that will elevate your betting experience as you anticipate the upcoming Malaysian 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.
The Motul Solidarity Grand Prix of Barcelona promises intense battles to finalize the Drivers Championship. Bagnaia is the only rider close enough to catch Martin, but the Spaniard could win the title in the Sprint on Saturday. Fans and bettors should prepare for an electrifying race weekend as MotoGP’s best bring their all to this marquee showdown.
21+ Please refer to Affiliated Operators’s T&C. Void where prohibited. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Honda is reportedly in talks to bring Faenza-based Gresini Racing into its MotoGP fold as a Honda satellite team for the 2027 season. If finalized, the move would see Honda take over the Italian team and field a new rider lineup; multiple outlets say Honda is actively pursuing Gresini. Gresini is run by Nadia Padovani and has been backed by Ducati since 2022 (one outlet has suggested the partnership dates to 2021).
Coverage highlights Gresini’s strong recent results with Ducati — notably Álex Márquez’s runner-up finish in 2025 (the team’s best prototype-era result since Marco Melandri in 2005) and Enea Bastianini’s third place in 2021 — and reports that financial strains related to buying Ducati prototypes have been a factor behind the talks. Media reports have named possible rider targets if a Honda satellite deal proceeds: Motosan identified Enea Bastianini and 19-year-old Moto2 rider and ex-Moto3 world champion David Alonso as candidates for the two seats.
Outlets caution any moves would depend on the satellite agreement and would take effect for 2027; MotorsportWeek adds that a switch would likely require Gresini to part ways with current riders such as Marc Márquez and Fermín Aldeguer. The speculation has drawn pushback: Ducati MotoGP director Davide Tardozzi told Sky Italia after the Brazilian Grand Prix that Gresini “want to stay” with Ducati and that Ducati would “do everything possible to keep Gresini.” Observers also point to expiring satellite-team contracts in 2026 and a wider 2027 regulation overhaul as context. Until teams or manufacturers make formal announcements, the situation remains developing and disputed.
Marc Marquez returned to the track at the Sepang pre‑season test and delivered a mixed but constructive outing. He was fastest on the opening day, but endured a roller‑coaster three days of running, ending fourth on the final day, around 0.4 seconds behind his brother Álex Márquez’s best lap. In sprint‑simulation work, he posted a best simulation lap of 1:57.602 and completed 10‑lap runs with averages in the 1:58.2–1:58.3 range. “The Ant of Cervera” showed competitive race‑pace potential despite not feeling fully 100% fit. Marquez completed the planned program using 2025 front aero on both machines while sampling 2026 aero, and suffered a low‑speed crash at Turn 1 after an aero change altered the Ducati’s balance. The reigning champion was uninjured and able to continue evaluating settings.
Beyond lap times, Marquez stressed caution about interpreting Sepang data. He warned that grip levels in Malaysia were unrealistically high and that tire usage and track conditions can skew sprint runs. Ducati displayed notable depth at the test, but Marquez said “two, three riders are faster than me” and highlighted Francesco Bagnaia, Marco Bezzecchi, and others as genuine threats. His words underline his view that the 2026 championship will be fiercely competitive. He framed testing as information gathering that must be validated under race conditions, pointing to the upcoming Buriram (Thailand) test on 21–22 February as a more decisive rehearsal because the season-opening race follows shortly afterwards.
Looking ahead, Marquez described the Sepang work as a positive step while emphasizing the need to protect his fitness and to keep evolving. A MotoGP title is earned across 22 race weekends, and riders must “reinvent” themselves year to year. His priority will be to close the gap to the riders ahead and to refine race pace and bike balance at Buriram and in the early races, using the Sepang data as a baseline rather than a final verdict on form.
Yamaha has agreed to sign Ai Ogura for the 2027 MotoGP season, pairing the 25-year-old with Jorge Martin in the factory team and replacing Alex Rins, Motorsport reporter Oriol Puigdemont and other outlets have reported. Yamaha is delaying any public announcement while the Motorcycle Sports Manufacturers Association (MSMA) and MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group finalize a five-year commercial contract.
Ogura won the 2024 Moto2 title and is in his second MotoGP campaign with Trackhouse Racing (Aprilia) after making his premier-class debut in 2025. He sits seventh in the championship after three rounds, with best finishes of fifth in Thailand and fifth in Brazil; reporters say he lost a podium opportunity to a technical issue and a mechanical failure in Austin ended his most recent race.
The Yamaha decision has triggered a wider rider-market reshuffle. The signing reduces options for Luca Marini, his camp has been told he is effectively ruled out for Yamaha, and it increases the likelihood Raul Fernández will remain with Trackhouse as that team will have a vacancy to fill. Reports indicate Honda’s (HRC) works squad appears set to pair Fabio Quartararo with David Alonso, sources say LCR seats are effectively sealed, and Dani Holgado has confirmed a move to Gresini Racing on a Ducati. Yamaha had considered promoting Izan Guevara or calling up Toprak Razgatlioglu from Pramac, but Razgatlioglu’s reported reluctance to leave Pramac and other market movements left Ogura as the chosen signing. Guevara enters the season with strong recent form and Yamaha has described him as having “explosive” premier-class potential.
Ducati’s hopes at the Thai MotoGP in Buriram were derailed by mechanical problems and an unexpectedly poor team showing that left the factory without a podium. The result ended a long run of Ducati podiums — reported as an 88-race streak that began in 2021 — though sources differ on the precise race it began (reports cite the 2021 British GP and Aragon 2021). Aprilia dominated the opener, turning what had been a pre-race expectation of Ducati strength into a difficult weekend for the Italian marque.
The most dramatic failure came when Marc Márquez, who had begun the race on the front row and was contesting a podium, ran over the Turn 4 curb on lap 21 and suffered a deformed rear rim that caused an immediate loss of tire pressure and forced his retirement with six laps remaining. Ducati team boss Davide Tardozzi said “the rim exploded,” and technical lead Piero Taramasso said rim damage had been visible all weekend amid extreme heat and an aggressive curb design. Márquez called the failure “very strange” and “unlucky,” said he did not believe Michelin or the track surface were to blame, and insisted there was “no panic” at Ducati. Tardozzi added the failure likely cost Márquez at least a third-place finish and warned it complicates his championship bid.
Other Ducati riders also suffered setbacks. Fabio di Giannantonio, the top Ducati finisher, recovered to sixth after a mysterious technical fault on lap six that he said produced overheating, reduced his pace and forced him to back off; he ruled out a direct tire failure but declined to specify the issue and said he believed he could have challenged for a podium. Franco Morbidelli finished eighth and Francesco Bagnaia ninth after a weekend of struggles; Alex Márquez and Marc Márquez both retired, Michele Pirro finished last as a replacement rider, and team members were left searching for explanations as engineers tried to understand why the bikes felt different from testing. With Ducati stunned and Aprilia celebrating a dominant day, team figures urged calm while investigations into the wheel and bike issues continued.
Best Bets: MotoGP Barcelona 2024 Pre-Event Odds Analysis
The 2024 MotoGP Barcelona race has arrived, signaling the finale to an enthralling season of racing. Ducati has wrapped up the constructors and team championships, but like in 2023, the rider’s title is going down to the last race. The pre-event odds favor Bagnaia for victory in Catalonia, although Jorge Martin should have enough in the tank to claim the rider’s championship.
Valencia was initially the host venue for finals weekend as per usual, but the organizers have done an incredible job of changing tracks at the last minute.
After reading our analysis, check out our partner sportsbooks to get valuable promotions and place your bets.
In addition to traditional sports betting on MotoGP, the Motul Solidarity Grand Prix of Barcelona 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 Finale in Barcelona
The final race weekend of 2024 has arrived, and the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is ready to put on a show. Practice gets underway on Friday, November 15th, at 4:45am EST and concludes with the race at 8am on Sunday, the 17th.
An all-important sprint race is on the cards for Saturday, November 16th, at 9am East Coast time. Martin could put the rider’s championship out of the reach of Bagnaia if he earns 2 points more than the Italian.
ESPN is covering all the Motul Solidarity Grand Prix of Barcelona from Friday to Sunday. This allows you to keep up with the practice and qualifying results to make better-informed picks for the Moto GP contest.
Best Bets and Picks for the 2024 MotoGP Barcelona
Top Picks and Bets
Driver
Event Winner
$20 Payout
Francesco Bagnaia
-138
$34.39
Jorge Martin
+320
$84.00
Marc Marquez
+350
$90.00
Francesco Bagnaia (-138):
The 2023 Champion is the favorite to win in Barcelona after winning 3 of his last 4 races. Bagnaia also outclassed Martin at this track earlier in the year during the Catalunya Grand Prix when he crossed the line 1.7 seconds ahead of his opponent.
Jorge Martin (+320):
The Madrileño is the epitome of consistency this season, finishing on the podium fifteen times. Jorge Martin has often played second fiddle to Pecco this season, finishing runner-up in 10 starts, but he also has 3 wins to his name. While he should get over the line in the rider’s championship, I struggle to see him winning on Sunday.
Marc Marquez (+350):
Veteran rider Marc Marquez hasn’t produced the same level of consistency this season as the championship leaders. However, the local excels in front of his home crowd, finishing on the podium in every race inside his native land in 2024. Although Marc can’t win the rider’s championship, he needs to fend off Enea Bastianini, who is one point behind him in 4th.
Outsider Bets
Driver
Event Winner
$20 Payout
Enea Bastianini
+1100
$240.00
Pedro Acosta
+2200
$460.00
Brad Binder
+5000
$1,020.00
Enea Bastianini (+1100):
Ducati rider Enea Bastianini has enjoyed a relatively consistent season. He’s won twice and landed on the podium 9 times this season, highlighting his constant threat. His biggest priority this weekend is to overtake Marquez on the track and in the drivers championship.
Pedro Acosta (+2200):
Young Murciano Pedro Acosta has found himself in a tussle for 5th place in the championship with Brad Binder. The Spaniard has produced a relatively tame season but still stood on the podium 5 times. He leads Binder by 3 points and will need a strong weekend to hold onto fifth.
Brad Binder (+5000):
The season started promisingly for Brad Binder, placing second in the opening race of the year. That would be the last time he felt the material of a podium in 2024, but somehow, he keeps himself in with a shot of closing out the year in the top 5. He is an outsider this weekend, but his big-match temperament always makes him a contender.
Expert Pick for the MotoGP Barcelona
Our expert pick for Barcelona is Marc Marquez to win, at +350. His odds are more favorable than the dominant duo of Martin and Bagnaia,and the Spaniard seems to produce his best in front of the fans who have made him a MotoGP legend. Home track advantage aside, Marquez has 3 wins under his helmet in 2024 and 9 podium finishes.
Riders’ Championship Odds for Barcelona
There are some interesting battles to watch this finale weekend, with the standings far from finalized. In the middle of the table, there is a 5-way battle for 8th place between Di Giannantonio, Morbidelli, Alex Marquez, Espargaro, and Bezzechi.
Further up the table, Brad Binder is chasing down Acosta in fifth, while Marc Marquez and Bastianini compete for third place. There is much to follow this weekend, but most eyes will be on the top spot.
Jorge Martin leads the Riders Championship by 24 points and only needs 2 points more than Francesco in the Sprint on Saturday. If Jorge can finish one position higher than the Italian in the short race, he will claim the title before the lights turn green in the finale on Sunday.
Where to Bet on MotoGP
Visit our partner sportsbooks to access special deals that will elevate your betting experience as you anticipate the upcoming Malaysian 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.
The Motul Solidarity Grand Prix of Barcelona promises intense battles to finalize the Drivers Championship. Bagnaia is the only rider close enough to catch Martin, but the Spaniard could win the title in the Sprint on Saturday. Fans and bettors should prepare for an electrifying race weekend as MotoGP’s best bring their all to this marquee showdown.
21+ Please refer to Affiliated Operators’s T&C. Void where prohibited. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Related Posts
Ducati vows to keep Gresini as Honda pursues team
Honda is reportedly in talks to bring Faenza-based Gresini Racing into its MotoGP fold as a Honda satellite team for the 2027 season. If finalized, the move would see Honda take over the Italian team and field a new rider lineup; multiple outlets say Honda is actively pursuing Gresini. Gresini is run by Nadia Padovani and has been backed by Ducati since 2022 (one outlet has suggested the partnership dates to 2021).
Coverage highlights Gresini’s strong recent results with Ducati — notably Álex Márquez’s runner-up finish in 2025 (the team’s best prototype-era result since Marco Melandri in 2005) and Enea Bastianini’s third place in 2021 — and reports that financial strains related to buying Ducati prototypes have been a factor behind the talks. Media reports have named possible rider targets if a Honda satellite deal proceeds: Motosan identified Enea Bastianini and 19-year-old Moto2 rider and ex-Moto3 world champion David Alonso as candidates for the two seats.
Outlets caution any moves would depend on the satellite agreement and would take effect for 2027; MotorsportWeek adds that a switch would likely require Gresini to part ways with current riders such as Marc Márquez and Fermín Aldeguer. The speculation has drawn pushback: Ducati MotoGP director Davide Tardozzi told Sky Italia after the Brazilian Grand Prix that Gresini “want to stay” with Ducati and that Ducati would “do everything possible to keep Gresini.” Observers also point to expiring satellite-team contracts in 2026 and a wider 2027 regulation overhaul as context. Until teams or manufacturers make formal announcements, the situation remains developing and disputed.
Marquez Calls Sepang Baseline, Eyes Buriram for Verdict
Marc Marquez returned to the track at the Sepang pre‑season test and delivered a mixed but constructive outing. He was fastest on the opening day, but endured a roller‑coaster three days of running, ending fourth on the final day, around 0.4 seconds behind his brother Álex Márquez’s best lap. In sprint‑simulation work, he posted a best simulation lap of 1:57.602 and completed 10‑lap runs with averages in the 1:58.2–1:58.3 range. “The Ant of Cervera” showed competitive race‑pace potential despite not feeling fully 100% fit. Marquez completed the planned program using 2025 front aero on both machines while sampling 2026 aero, and suffered a low‑speed crash at Turn 1 after an aero change altered the Ducati’s balance. The reigning champion was uninjured and able to continue evaluating settings.
Beyond lap times, Marquez stressed caution about interpreting Sepang data. He warned that grip levels in Malaysia were unrealistically high and that tire usage and track conditions can skew sprint runs. Ducati displayed notable depth at the test, but Marquez said “two, three riders are faster than me” and highlighted Francesco Bagnaia, Marco Bezzecchi, and others as genuine threats. His words underline his view that the 2026 championship will be fiercely competitive. He framed testing as information gathering that must be validated under race conditions, pointing to the upcoming Buriram (Thailand) test on 21–22 February as a more decisive rehearsal because the season-opening race follows shortly afterwards.
Looking ahead, Marquez described the Sepang work as a positive step while emphasizing the need to protect his fitness and to keep evolving. A MotoGP title is earned across 22 race weekends, and riders must “reinvent” themselves year to year. His priority will be to close the gap to the riders ahead and to refine race pace and bike balance at Buriram and in the early races, using the Sepang data as a baseline rather than a final verdict on form.
Yamaha signs Ai Ogura for 2027, pairs him with Jorge Martin
Yamaha has agreed to sign Ai Ogura for the 2027 MotoGP season, pairing the 25-year-old with Jorge Martin in the factory team and replacing Alex Rins, Motorsport reporter Oriol Puigdemont and other outlets have reported. Yamaha is delaying any public announcement while the Motorcycle Sports Manufacturers Association (MSMA) and MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group finalize a five-year commercial contract.
Ogura won the 2024 Moto2 title and is in his second MotoGP campaign with Trackhouse Racing (Aprilia) after making his premier-class debut in 2025. He sits seventh in the championship after three rounds, with best finishes of fifth in Thailand and fifth in Brazil; reporters say he lost a podium opportunity to a technical issue and a mechanical failure in Austin ended his most recent race.
The Yamaha decision has triggered a wider rider-market reshuffle. The signing reduces options for Luca Marini, his camp has been told he is effectively ruled out for Yamaha, and it increases the likelihood Raul Fernández will remain with Trackhouse as that team will have a vacancy to fill. Reports indicate Honda’s (HRC) works squad appears set to pair Fabio Quartararo with David Alonso, sources say LCR seats are effectively sealed, and Dani Holgado has confirmed a move to Gresini Racing on a Ducati. Yamaha had considered promoting Izan Guevara or calling up Toprak Razgatlioglu from Pramac, but Razgatlioglu’s reported reluctance to leave Pramac and other market movements left Ogura as the chosen signing. Guevara enters the season with strong recent form and Yamaha has described him as having “explosive” premier-class potential.
Rim failure likely cost Márquez podium, harms Ducati bid
Ducati’s hopes at the Thai MotoGP in Buriram were derailed by mechanical problems and an unexpectedly poor team showing that left the factory without a podium. The result ended a long run of Ducati podiums — reported as an 88-race streak that began in 2021 — though sources differ on the precise race it began (reports cite the 2021 British GP and Aragon 2021). Aprilia dominated the opener, turning what had been a pre-race expectation of Ducati strength into a difficult weekend for the Italian marque.
The most dramatic failure came when Marc Márquez, who had begun the race on the front row and was contesting a podium, ran over the Turn 4 curb on lap 21 and suffered a deformed rear rim that caused an immediate loss of tire pressure and forced his retirement with six laps remaining. Ducati team boss Davide Tardozzi said “the rim exploded,” and technical lead Piero Taramasso said rim damage had been visible all weekend amid extreme heat and an aggressive curb design. Márquez called the failure “very strange” and “unlucky,” said he did not believe Michelin or the track surface were to blame, and insisted there was “no panic” at Ducati. Tardozzi added the failure likely cost Márquez at least a third-place finish and warned it complicates his championship bid.
Other Ducati riders also suffered setbacks. Fabio di Giannantonio, the top Ducati finisher, recovered to sixth after a mysterious technical fault on lap six that he said produced overheating, reduced his pace and forced him to back off; he ruled out a direct tire failure but declined to specify the issue and said he believed he could have challenged for a podium. Franco Morbidelli finished eighth and Francesco Bagnaia ninth after a weekend of struggles; Alex Márquez and Marc Márquez both retired, Michele Pirro finished last as a replacement rider, and team members were left searching for explanations as engineers tried to understand why the bikes felt different from testing. With Ducati stunned and Aprilia celebrating a dominant day, team figures urged calm while investigations into the wheel and bike issues continued.