Did you know MotoGP riders can reach over 220 mph on the track? Now imagine turning a similar adrenaline to real money gaming through contests. Playing MotoGP DFS in Alabama allows you to make short-term, quick, and skilled predictions based on individual MotoGP riders’ performances. It is not your typical traditional fantasy sports with team drafts and season-long commitments. It is all about predicting whether an individual rider will perform better or worse than their projected stats. In this article, we will discuss how you can play MotoGP DFS in Alabama on Underdog Fantasy or PirzePicks. We will walk you through each step, ensuring you are ready to make a race day a chance to win real money!
Is MotoGP Real Money Gaming (DFS) Legal in Alabama?
The first question most people ask when it comes to playing MotoGP DFS in Alabama is, “Is it even legal?” The simple answer is yes. Here is why:
Alabama’s Real Money Gaming Laws
Alabama expressly allows its residents to play MotoGP DFS. These laws classify DFS as a skill-based game instead of a game of chance. This distinguishes DFS from traditional sports gambling, which is restricted. This categorization also gives Alabama players a secure and legal environment in which to enjoy MotoGP DFS with peace of mind. To better understand the legal framework, check outMotoGP betting laws for detailed insights.
How Underdog Fantasy and PrizePicks Operate in Alabama
Underdog Fantasy and PrizePicks are among the best DFS platforms for playing MotoGP DFS in Alabama. This is because they adhere to all state regulations. These platforms conduct age and location verification process and use secure payment systems to comply with all real money gaming laws. This gives you a legitimate way to join the MotoGP DFS world and potentially win money through contests. So, whether you are looking for an exciting way to test your MotoGP knowledge or are a racing fan, rest assured that Underdog Fantasy or PrizePicks will offer you the greatest chance to meet your goals.
How to Play MotoGP DFS in Alabama on Underdog Fantasy: A Step-by-Step Guide
Are you ready to get started? Here is a simple guide to playing MotoGP DFS in Alabama on Underdog Fantasy.
Step 1: Claim Bonus & Register for an Account on Underdog Fantasy
The first step is to register an account on Underdog Fantasy. Do this by visiting the website or downloading the mobile app. The platform is one of the best to play DFS worldwide, thanks to its simple contests and rewarding payouts.
Follow the instructions below to get started:
Sign Up: Click “Sign Up” on the home page and provide a username, email address, and a secure password to create an account.
Enter Promo Code ‘NXTBETS’: There is an optional choice of providing a promo code. This allows you access to promotions like free entries and welcome bonuses that can enhance your bankroll.
Verify Your Identity: Underdog Fantasy must verify your age and location as part of legal compliance. You will be prompted to provide your full name, date of birth, and address to complete this process. Ensure you check your email for the confirmation link from Underdog Fantasy.
Once your account is set up, you can fund it to explore the available MotoGP contests.
Step 2: Fund Your Account and Look for Promotions
You must deposit funds into your account to activate it and play MotoGP DFS. Here’s how you can fund your account:
Add Payment Method: Link your PayPal account, debit card, or credit card.
Make a Deposit: Choose the amount you’d like to deposit. Most promotions require a minimum deposit of $10, so check them out before funding your account.
Claim Promotions: New and eligible users often qualify for a welcome bonus of up to $1000 in cash. Underdog Fantasy will likely match your first deposit by half or potentially doubling it. You can also find state-specific offers like free entries. Utilize these offers to maximize your bankroll.
Step 3: Find MotoGP Contests
With a funded account, you can browse the contests on Underdog Fantasy. The platform classifies contests based on sports. So, find MotoGP on the home page and select it to see the available contests. Review the contest entry fee, payout structures, and riders’ statistics to find what aligns with your budget and preferences.
Step 4: Make Your "Better/Worse" Picks
This stage is where the fun reaches climax. You must predict whether a specific rider will perform better or worse than Underdog Fantasy’s projections. Here’s what to do:
Review Rider Projections: Check the stats assigned to each rider. For example, a rider may have a projection of 3.5.
Make Your Picks: Choose specific riders and pick whether they will perform higher or lower than their projections. You will need at least two picks under the Standard option and at least three picks under the Flex option to enter a contest. But you can make a maximum of eight picks. More correct picks increase your chances of earning higher rewards.
Step 5: Submit Your Picks
Once you select better or worse, you finalize your entry. But before submitting, ensure you review all your picks. Confirm the entry fee and submit your entries to join the contest. Wait for the race to end to see the results and your potential winnings.
Step 6: Monitor Results and Withdraw Winnings
As the race continues, track the performance of your picks directly on Underdog Fantasy’s live feature. Once the race ends, you will see how your picks fared. Your potential winnings will be credited to your account if they are correct. You can use them for future contests or withdraw them.
To withdraw your funds:
Go to the “Withdraw” section in your account.
Select your preferred payment method.
Enter the amount you would like to withdraw and confirm.
How to Play MotoGP DFS on PrizePicks in Alabama
Follow these simple steps to play MotoGP DFS on PrizePicks:
Step 1: Create an Account on PrizePicks
Creating an account on PrizePicks is as easy as visiting the official website using your computer or smartphone. PrizePicks has a convenient mobile app compatible with iOS and Android devices. It comes with all features and allows you to play anytime, anywhere you wish. To create an account:
Click “Sign Up” on the home page and provide your name, date of birth, email address, and a strong password.
Enter our promo code “NXT” to be eligible for bonuses and other promotions to enhance your bankroll.
Verify your identity by submitting your full name, date of birth, email address, and location. Wait for an email from PrizePicks and click the verification link. This process is crucial for legal compliance in Alabama.
Step 2: Fund Your Account
The next step is to add money to your account to be able to participate in MotoGP DFS contests on PrizePicks.
Go to the “Deposit” page or click the green “+” located at the top right corner of your device.
Select a deposit option. PrizePicks allows Apple Pay, PayPal, Venmo, Debit/Credit cards, and online banking via Aeropay.
Enter the amount you wish to deposit. The minimum deposit requirement on the platform is $10.
Follow the subsequent prompts based on your chosen payment method to complete the transaction.
Step 3: Make “More” or “Less” Picks
You can enter and participate in MotoGP DFS contests after funding your account. To engage in a contest:
Select a minimum of two and a maximum of six MotoGP riders from different teams.
Choose “More” or “Less” for every rider. “More” means the rider will perform better than their projections, while “Less” means they will perform worse than the benchmark.
The greater the number of correct picks, the more the potential payout. However, you can begin with fewer selections if you are new to DFS.
Choose between Power Play and Flex Pick’em options. Power Play allows you to win only if all your choices are correct. However, Flex will enable you to win despite one or two of your choices being incorrect.
Step 4: Submit Your Lineup
PrizePicks does not allow you to adjust your lineup after submission. However, you may cancel your lineup within five minutes of submission. Therefore, you must double-check your entries before submitting them. If you are satisfied:
Enter your entry fee. A single lineup requires at least $1, but you can provide your preferred amount.
Click “Submit Lineup,” and your entries will be locked in for the contest.
Follow the games live on PrizePicks to see how your selections fare.
PrizePicks will calculate winnings after the games and credit your account if you win.
You can withdraw the winnings instantly or within twelve hours if you are a new user making the first withdrawal.
DFS Offers for Alabama Residents
Exclusive promotions for Alabama players on Underdog Fantasy make playing MotoGP DFS even more appealing. These offers can make your start rewarding and promising.
Current Promotions for Alabama Players
Some of the common offers for Alabama residents on Underdog Fantasy include:
Sign Up Bonus: Underdog Fantasy offers up to $1000 in cash bonus for new and eligible users. Conversely, PrizePicks offers you a $50 instant cash bonus for your initial $5 lineup.
Deposit Match Bonuses: As a new user, Underdog Fantasy and PrizePicks will likely double your initial deposit. For instance, if you deposit $100, the platforms might add $100 to your account.
Free Entry Contests: You can also get free entries into certain MotoGP DFS contests, allowing you to play without risking your money.
Referral Bonuses: You can also receive a bonus by inviting your friend to join Underdog Fantasy or PrizePicks. Both of you get bonuses once your friend signs up and funds their accounts.
Keep an eye out for updates from NXTbets, or check promotions page to stay updated on these offers.
Terms and Conditions for Alabama Offers
These promotions can be tempting, but you must understand their terms and conditions to get the most benefits. Here are some key notes for you:
Minimum Deposits: Most bonuses require you to meet a specific deposit amount to qualify. It is usually $10 or $20, but you must check the specific requirements for each promotion to be sure.
Eligibility: Some bonuses, like the welcome bonus, are only available for new and eligible users. Others are also exclusive for Alabama residents, so you must be physically present in Alabama to qualify.
Gaming Requirements: Promotions often have rules like expiration dates and the number of times you must play before you can withdraw funds.
Conclusion
Alabama has some of the most ardent MotoGP fans. With DFS being fully legal in the state, you can make your passion for the sport earn you real money by participating in contests on Underdog Fantasy. Playing MotoGP DFS does not require team-building. With a funded account on Underdog Fantasy or PrizePicks, you can make predictions on single-race events based on individual rider performance.
Both Underdog Fantasy and PrizePicks have an intuitive interfaces and comply with all state regulations to ensure fair play. So, why wait? Head over to Underdog Fantasy or PrizePicks today and register an account to get started. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more updates and insights to enhance your gaming experience!
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Is MotoGP Real Money Gaming (DFS) Legal In Alabama?
Yes, MotoGP Real Money Gaming (DFS) is legal in Alabama. The state allows DFS because it is a skill-based game, unlike gambling.
How Do I Make A "Better/Worse" Pick In MotoGP DFS?
In MotoGP DFS, you pick whether a rider will finish “Better” or “Worse” than a projection, such as 2.5. If you pick better, you win if the rider finishes in the first or second position. If you pick worse, you win if they finish in the third position.
Can I Win Real Money Playing MotoGP DFS In Alabama?
Yes, you can win real money by playing MotoGP DFS in Alabama. You will be rewarded based on your picks. The more correct picks you make, the higher you earn.
How Many Picks Do I Need To Make For A MotoGP Contest On Underdog Fantasy?
You must make at least two picks to enter a MotoGP contest on Underdog Fantasy. You can make up to 8 picks per entry. If you choose the Flex option, you must make at least three picks to make a valid entry.
What Strategies Can Help Me Win More In MotoGP DFS?
At Mugello, Manuel González won the Moto2 race (the intermediate class) by 5.327 seconds, while Brian Uriarte claimed victory in a dramatic Moto3 finish. Andrea Iannone also took Race 2 of the Harley‑Davidson Bagger World Cup for NITI Racing.
In Moto2, González controlled the race to take the win. Celestino Vietti recovered from 16th on the grid to finish second after a decisive final‑lap pass, and Dani Holgado completed the podium. Senna Agius was fourth and Filip Salač fifth. Alonso López served a long‑lap penalty for contact with Álex Escrig and finished sixth; Escrig crashed and was classified DNF. Izan Guevara was seventh, Barry Baltus eighth, Collin Veijer ninth and Deniz Öncü tenth. Guevara had shown single‑lap speed earlier by topping Moto2 FP2 with the only 1:48 lap in that session.
The Moto3 race featured a frantic late reshuffle. Brian Uriarte took the win after a chaotic closing sequence, Álvaro Carpe was second and Hakim Danish third. Several riders — including two Aspar teammates — dropped back with late mistakes. Adrián Fernández finished fourth, Joel Esteban fifth and Eddie O’Shea secured a career‑best sixth after briefly running second on the last lap. David Muñoz, Veda Pratama, Joel Kelso and Jesús Ríos rounded out the top 10. Carpe had led Moto3 FP2, underlining his race pace.
The MotoGP weekend mixed blistering speed with tyre and equipment questions. Marco Bezzecchi set a new all‑time lap record at Mugello in qualifying to claim pole and also topped the warm‑up session, but his championship lead was cut to 12 points after he missed the Sprint podium. Fabio Di Giannantonio finished third in the Sprint and had earlier dominated practice despite a technical issue that left him with only one GP26 for qualifying. Jorge Martín recorded a new MotoGP top‑speed mark, and Ducati showed strong pace through Friday running; Francesco Bagnaia warned of heavy soft‑rear degradation. Michelin reported a wet morning that dried to about 44°C, recommended the medium front as a reference and left final rear choices pending. Officials set the Sunday grand prix distance at 23 laps. Marc Márquez — declared fit to continue after returning to action following surgery to remove irritating metalwork — started fourth on the grid. Luca Marini received a three‑place grid drop, moving him to 19th.
Other notes: Andrea Iannone won Race 2 of the Harley‑Davidson Bagger World Cup for NITI Racing at Mugello.
Gresini Racing confirmed that Iker Lecuona will replace Álex Márquez at the Hungarian Grand Prix at Balaton Park on June 5–7, the eighth round of the MotoGP season.
Márquez remains sidelined after a serious crash at the Catalan GP that left him with multiple injuries, including a fractured C7 vertebra. He missed Mugello and is ruled out of Balaton Park while he recovers.
Lecuona will race with number 27 aboard Gresini’s Ducati Desmosedici GP26. It will be his first MotoGP start since the 2023 Qatar GP and his first grand prix on a Ducati. A former Moto2 rider who stepped up to MotoGP with KTM before moving to WorldSBK in 2022, he has 37 premier-class starts and currently sits second in the WorldSBK standings after a run of P2 finishes.
Ducati test rider Michele Pirro filled in for Márquez at Mugello but was unavailable for Hungary because of a CIV commitment at Imola, so Gresini looked beyond its usual backup options. Gresini called the signing a short-term, pragmatic solution to ensure a prepared rider for the Balaton weekend while Márquez remains out.
Aprilia has made a commanding start to the 2026 MotoGP season, emerging as the biggest improver and shifting the championship balance away from Ducati. The RS-GP26’s race pace, Aprilia Racing’s three consecutive grand prix victories — all by Marco Bezzecchi — and the team leading the riders’, constructors’ and teams’ standings have underlined the turnaround; Aprilia CEO Massimo Rivola even declared the marque has “the best bike.” Sprint races and qualifying have remained tighter, but Aprilia’s race pace and consistency have quickly made the team a serious championship threat.
Marco Bezzecchi has been the standout performer, leading every lap of the three grands prix he contested and scoring 81 of a possible 111 points through the first three rounds — a 57-point increase on his 2025 tally. That total places him four points clear of Jorge Martin (81 to 77) heading into the Spanish GP at Jerez (April 24–26), although some reports listed Martin as the points leader on 77 after three rounds. Jorge Martin has nonetheless shown strong race form, collecting 59 points across the last two rounds, recording one Sprint win and two second-place finishes. KTM’s Pedro Acosta sits an early third with 60 points, up 44 on 2025, while Trackhouse Aprilia’s Raul Fernandez produced a double rostrum at Buriram and is +35 year‑on‑year; Ai Ogura is +12 despite a mechanical retirement in Austin and a technical problem at COTA that denied what would have been an Aprilia one‑two‑three. Aprilia have taken four of the six races so far when sprints are included.
The early surge has coincided with a notable downturn for Ducati and several established riders. Sources describe Ducati as struggling to mount an immediate response despite recent championship success (Francesco Bagnaia 2022–23, Jorge Martin 2024 and Marc Marquez 2025). Fabio Di Giannantonio is the best-placed Ducati after three rounds in fourth and is +6 on his 2025 tally, while Bagnaia is roughly 50 points down year-on-year. Reigning champion Marc Marquez has lost about 41–42 points after a technical non-score in Thailand and a crash in the COTA Sprint; Alex Marquez’s decline is reported at roughly 58–59 points. With 19 races still to run, the standings can evolve, but Aprilia’s early consistency, the RS-GP26’s rideability and riders’ growing confidence have already reshaped the championship picture.
Francesco Bagnaia and Ducati reported clear technical progress this season, driven by electronics tweaks and balance changes that improved starts and front-end feeling. Bagnaia said Ducati were “getting closer” to fixing poor race starts and credited a package of changes introduced since the start of the season, including modified electronics and substantial balance adjustments. He welcomed the removal of some launch-control devices on safety and electronics grounds and said electronics tweaks at Mugello improved off-the-line pace, though he added that starts had weakened compared with 2024. He described the team as having “lost their way” last year and said Ducati had steadily progressed since the Jerez tests. He expected other teams to follow similar development paths but cautioned Ducati remained vulnerable compared with Honda, which he identified as having the best race starts, and acknowledged Aprilia’s systems progress.
On track, balance changes helped immediately. Bagnaia said shifting his weight forward restored front-end feeling, a set-up tweak he highlighted in an Inside Ducati video and in parc fermé comments to crew chief Cristian Gabarrini. The change helped him lead the opening half of the Italian Grand Prix at Mugello, including ten laps at the front, and secure a third-place finish — his first on-track podium of the season and his first consecutive podiums in nearly 12 months. He held off late pressure from Ai Ogura after Ogura posted a rapid penultimate lap, and he battled Aprilia riders Marco Bezzecchi and Jorge Martin during the race.
Bagnaia and others suffered high rear-tyre wear late in the race. He described rear grip as “the only thing I’m lacking,” and reports from Mugello showed rear degradation forced both Bagnaia and Marc Marquez to drop pace, with Marquez saying he “gave up with 10 laps to go.” The pattern underlined that front-end gains boosted early race pace but rear tyre life remained a limiting factor.
The Mugello result and the technical steps set up a challenging run of races. Ducati sporting director Gigi Dall’Igna praised Bagnaia’s aggressive early pace on LinkedIn, calling him a “braveheart,” and framed Ducati as resilient despite Aprilia’s early dominance this season. Bagnaia arrived at the Balaton round off the Mugello podium but called Balaton Park unfavourable, saying the circuit was “from riches to rags” and “by far the ugliest one that exists,” and noted the event would not return there next season. Balaton was identified as a test of race craft and strategy after a ninth-place finish there the previous year. Ducati’s recent technical progress had closed some gaps, but persistent rear-tyre wear and grip shortfalls remained the key hurdles to consistent victories.
How to Play MotoGP DFS in Alabama
Did you know MotoGP riders can reach over 220 mph on the track? Now imagine turning a similar adrenaline to real money gaming through contests. Playing MotoGP DFS in Alabama allows you to make short-term, quick, and skilled predictions based on individual MotoGP riders’ performances. It is not your typical traditional fantasy sports with team drafts and season-long commitments. It is all about predicting whether an individual rider will perform better or worse than their projected stats. In this article, we will discuss how you can play MotoGP DFS in Alabama on Underdog Fantasy or PirzePicks. We will walk you through each step, ensuring you are ready to make a race day a chance to win real money!
Is MotoGP Real Money Gaming (DFS) Legal in Alabama?
The first question most people ask when it comes to playing MotoGP DFS in Alabama is, “Is it even legal?” The simple answer is yes. Here is why:
Alabama’s Real Money Gaming Laws
Alabama expressly allows its residents to play MotoGP DFS. These laws classify DFS as a skill-based game instead of a game of chance. This distinguishes DFS from traditional sports gambling, which is restricted. This categorization also gives Alabama players a secure and legal environment in which to enjoy MotoGP DFS with peace of mind. To better understand the legal framework, check out MotoGP betting laws for detailed insights.
How Underdog Fantasy and PrizePicks Operate in Alabama
Underdog Fantasy and PrizePicks are among the best DFS platforms for playing MotoGP DFS in Alabama. This is because they adhere to all state regulations. These platforms conduct age and location verification process and use secure payment systems to comply with all real money gaming laws. This gives you a legitimate way to join the MotoGP DFS world and potentially win money through contests. So, whether you are looking for an exciting way to test your MotoGP knowledge or are a racing fan, rest assured that Underdog Fantasy or PrizePicks will offer you the greatest chance to meet your goals.
How to Play MotoGP DFS in Alabama on Underdog Fantasy: A Step-by-Step Guide
Are you ready to get started? Here is a simple guide to playing MotoGP DFS in Alabama on Underdog Fantasy.
Step 1: Claim Bonus & Register for an Account on Underdog Fantasy
The first step is to register an account on Underdog Fantasy. Do this by visiting the website or downloading the mobile app. The platform is one of the best to play DFS worldwide, thanks to its simple contests and rewarding payouts.
Follow the instructions below to get started:
Once your account is set up, you can fund it to explore the available MotoGP contests.
Step 2: Fund Your Account and Look for Promotions
You must deposit funds into your account to activate it and play MotoGP DFS. Here’s how you can fund your account:
Step 3: Find MotoGP Contests
With a funded account, you can browse the contests on Underdog Fantasy. The platform classifies contests based on sports. So, find MotoGP on the home page and select it to see the available contests. Review the contest entry fee, payout structures, and riders’ statistics to find what aligns with your budget and preferences.
Step 4: Make Your "Better/Worse" Picks
This stage is where the fun reaches climax. You must predict whether a specific rider will perform better or worse than Underdog Fantasy’s projections. Here’s what to do:
Step 5: Submit Your Picks
Once you select better or worse, you finalize your entry. But before submitting, ensure you review all your picks. Confirm the entry fee and submit your entries to join the contest. Wait for the race to end to see the results and your potential winnings.
Step 6: Monitor Results and Withdraw Winnings
As the race continues, track the performance of your picks directly on Underdog Fantasy’s live feature. Once the race ends, you will see how your picks fared. Your potential winnings will be credited to your account if they are correct. You can use them for future contests or withdraw them.
To withdraw your funds:
How to Play MotoGP DFS on PrizePicks in Alabama
Follow these simple steps to play MotoGP DFS on PrizePicks:
Step 1: Create an Account on PrizePicks
Creating an account on PrizePicks is as easy as visiting the official website using your computer or smartphone. PrizePicks has a convenient mobile app compatible with iOS and Android devices. It comes with all features and allows you to play anytime, anywhere you wish. To create an account:
Step 2: Fund Your Account
The next step is to add money to your account to be able to participate in MotoGP DFS contests on PrizePicks.
Step 3: Make “More” or “Less” Picks
You can enter and participate in MotoGP DFS contests after funding your account. To engage in a contest:
Step 4: Submit Your Lineup
PrizePicks does not allow you to adjust your lineup after submission. However, you may cancel your lineup within five minutes of submission. Therefore, you must double-check your entries before submitting them. If you are satisfied:
Enter your entry fee. A single lineup requires at least $1, but you can provide your preferred amount.
DFS Offers for Alabama Residents
Exclusive promotions for Alabama players on Underdog Fantasy make playing MotoGP DFS even more appealing. These offers can make your start rewarding and promising.
Current Promotions for Alabama Players
Some of the common offers for Alabama residents on Underdog Fantasy include:
Keep an eye out for updates from NXTbets, or check promotions page to stay updated on these offers.
Terms and Conditions for Alabama Offers
These promotions can be tempting, but you must understand their terms and conditions to get the most benefits. Here are some key notes for you:
Conclusion
Alabama has some of the most ardent MotoGP fans. With DFS being fully legal in the state, you can make your passion for the sport earn you real money by participating in contests on Underdog Fantasy. Playing MotoGP DFS does not require team-building. With a funded account on Underdog Fantasy or PrizePicks, you can make predictions on single-race events based on individual rider performance.
Both Underdog Fantasy and PrizePicks have an intuitive interfaces and comply with all state regulations to ensure fair play. So, why wait? Head over to Underdog Fantasy or PrizePicks today and register an account to get started. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more updates and insights to enhance your gaming experience!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, MotoGP Real Money Gaming (DFS) is legal in Alabama. The state allows DFS because it is a skill-based game, unlike gambling.
In MotoGP DFS, you pick whether a rider will finish “Better” or “Worse” than a projection, such as 2.5. If you pick better, you win if the rider finishes in the first or second position. If you pick worse, you win if they finish in the third position.
Yes, you can win real money by playing MotoGP DFS in Alabama. You will be rewarded based on your picks. The more correct picks you make, the higher you earn.
You must make at least two picks to enter a MotoGP contest on Underdog Fantasy. You can make up to 8 picks per entry. If you choose the Flex option, you must make at least three picks to make a valid entry.
Here are some effective MotoGP betting strategies to help you increase your chances of winning.
Please refer to Affiliated Operators’ T&C. Void where prohibited. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Related Posts
González controls Moto2 as Vietti charges from 16th
At Mugello, Manuel González won the Moto2 race (the intermediate class) by 5.327 seconds, while Brian Uriarte claimed victory in a dramatic Moto3 finish. Andrea Iannone also took Race 2 of the Harley‑Davidson Bagger World Cup for NITI Racing.
In Moto2, González controlled the race to take the win. Celestino Vietti recovered from 16th on the grid to finish second after a decisive final‑lap pass, and Dani Holgado completed the podium. Senna Agius was fourth and Filip Salač fifth. Alonso López served a long‑lap penalty for contact with Álex Escrig and finished sixth; Escrig crashed and was classified DNF. Izan Guevara was seventh, Barry Baltus eighth, Collin Veijer ninth and Deniz Öncü tenth. Guevara had shown single‑lap speed earlier by topping Moto2 FP2 with the only 1:48 lap in that session.
The Moto3 race featured a frantic late reshuffle. Brian Uriarte took the win after a chaotic closing sequence, Álvaro Carpe was second and Hakim Danish third. Several riders — including two Aspar teammates — dropped back with late mistakes. Adrián Fernández finished fourth, Joel Esteban fifth and Eddie O’Shea secured a career‑best sixth after briefly running second on the last lap. David Muñoz, Veda Pratama, Joel Kelso and Jesús Ríos rounded out the top 10. Carpe had led Moto3 FP2, underlining his race pace.
The MotoGP weekend mixed blistering speed with tyre and equipment questions. Marco Bezzecchi set a new all‑time lap record at Mugello in qualifying to claim pole and also topped the warm‑up session, but his championship lead was cut to 12 points after he missed the Sprint podium. Fabio Di Giannantonio finished third in the Sprint and had earlier dominated practice despite a technical issue that left him with only one GP26 for qualifying. Jorge Martín recorded a new MotoGP top‑speed mark, and Ducati showed strong pace through Friday running; Francesco Bagnaia warned of heavy soft‑rear degradation. Michelin reported a wet morning that dried to about 44°C, recommended the medium front as a reference and left final rear choices pending. Officials set the Sunday grand prix distance at 23 laps. Marc Márquez — declared fit to continue after returning to action following surgery to remove irritating metalwork — started fourth on the grid. Luca Marini received a three‑place grid drop, moving him to 19th.
Other notes: Andrea Iannone won Race 2 of the Harley‑Davidson Bagger World Cup for NITI Racing at Mugello.
Gresini names Iker Lecuona as short-term replacement for Márquez
Gresini Racing confirmed that Iker Lecuona will replace Álex Márquez at the Hungarian Grand Prix at Balaton Park on June 5–7, the eighth round of the MotoGP season.
Márquez remains sidelined after a serious crash at the Catalan GP that left him with multiple injuries, including a fractured C7 vertebra. He missed Mugello and is ruled out of Balaton Park while he recovers.
Lecuona will race with number 27 aboard Gresini’s Ducati Desmosedici GP26. It will be his first MotoGP start since the 2023 Qatar GP and his first grand prix on a Ducati. A former Moto2 rider who stepped up to MotoGP with KTM before moving to WorldSBK in 2022, he has 37 premier-class starts and currently sits second in the WorldSBK standings after a run of P2 finishes.
Ducati test rider Michele Pirro filled in for Márquez at Mugello but was unavailable for Hungary because of a CIV commitment at Imola, so Gresini looked beyond its usual backup options. Gresini called the signing a short-term, pragmatic solution to ensure a prepared rider for the Balaton weekend while Márquez remains out.
Aprilia leads riders, constructors & teams after three wins
Aprilia has made a commanding start to the 2026 MotoGP season, emerging as the biggest improver and shifting the championship balance away from Ducati. The RS-GP26’s race pace, Aprilia Racing’s three consecutive grand prix victories — all by Marco Bezzecchi — and the team leading the riders’, constructors’ and teams’ standings have underlined the turnaround; Aprilia CEO Massimo Rivola even declared the marque has “the best bike.” Sprint races and qualifying have remained tighter, but Aprilia’s race pace and consistency have quickly made the team a serious championship threat.
Marco Bezzecchi has been the standout performer, leading every lap of the three grands prix he contested and scoring 81 of a possible 111 points through the first three rounds — a 57-point increase on his 2025 tally. That total places him four points clear of Jorge Martin (81 to 77) heading into the Spanish GP at Jerez (April 24–26), although some reports listed Martin as the points leader on 77 after three rounds. Jorge Martin has nonetheless shown strong race form, collecting 59 points across the last two rounds, recording one Sprint win and two second-place finishes. KTM’s Pedro Acosta sits an early third with 60 points, up 44 on 2025, while Trackhouse Aprilia’s Raul Fernandez produced a double rostrum at Buriram and is +35 year‑on‑year; Ai Ogura is +12 despite a mechanical retirement in Austin and a technical problem at COTA that denied what would have been an Aprilia one‑two‑three. Aprilia have taken four of the six races so far when sprints are included.
The early surge has coincided with a notable downturn for Ducati and several established riders. Sources describe Ducati as struggling to mount an immediate response despite recent championship success (Francesco Bagnaia 2022–23, Jorge Martin 2024 and Marc Marquez 2025). Fabio Di Giannantonio is the best-placed Ducati after three rounds in fourth and is +6 on his 2025 tally, while Bagnaia is roughly 50 points down year-on-year. Reigning champion Marc Marquez has lost about 41–42 points after a technical non-score in Thailand and a crash in the COTA Sprint; Alex Marquez’s decline is reported at roughly 58–59 points. With 19 races still to run, the standings can evolve, but Aprilia’s early consistency, the RS-GP26’s rideability and riders’ growing confidence have already reshaped the championship picture.
Rear tyre degradation forces Bagnaia, Marquez to ease off late Mugello
Francesco Bagnaia and Ducati reported clear technical progress this season, driven by electronics tweaks and balance changes that improved starts and front-end feeling. Bagnaia said Ducati were “getting closer” to fixing poor race starts and credited a package of changes introduced since the start of the season, including modified electronics and substantial balance adjustments. He welcomed the removal of some launch-control devices on safety and electronics grounds and said electronics tweaks at Mugello improved off-the-line pace, though he added that starts had weakened compared with 2024. He described the team as having “lost their way” last year and said Ducati had steadily progressed since the Jerez tests. He expected other teams to follow similar development paths but cautioned Ducati remained vulnerable compared with Honda, which he identified as having the best race starts, and acknowledged Aprilia’s systems progress.
On track, balance changes helped immediately. Bagnaia said shifting his weight forward restored front-end feeling, a set-up tweak he highlighted in an Inside Ducati video and in parc fermé comments to crew chief Cristian Gabarrini. The change helped him lead the opening half of the Italian Grand Prix at Mugello, including ten laps at the front, and secure a third-place finish — his first on-track podium of the season and his first consecutive podiums in nearly 12 months. He held off late pressure from Ai Ogura after Ogura posted a rapid penultimate lap, and he battled Aprilia riders Marco Bezzecchi and Jorge Martin during the race.
Bagnaia and others suffered high rear-tyre wear late in the race. He described rear grip as “the only thing I’m lacking,” and reports from Mugello showed rear degradation forced both Bagnaia and Marc Marquez to drop pace, with Marquez saying he “gave up with 10 laps to go.” The pattern underlined that front-end gains boosted early race pace but rear tyre life remained a limiting factor.
The Mugello result and the technical steps set up a challenging run of races. Ducati sporting director Gigi Dall’Igna praised Bagnaia’s aggressive early pace on LinkedIn, calling him a “braveheart,” and framed Ducati as resilient despite Aprilia’s early dominance this season. Bagnaia arrived at the Balaton round off the Mugello podium but called Balaton Park unfavourable, saying the circuit was “from riches to rags” and “by far the ugliest one that exists,” and noted the event would not return there next season. Balaton was identified as a test of race craft and strategy after a ninth-place finish there the previous year. Ducati’s recent technical progress had closed some gaps, but persistent rear-tyre wear and grip shortfalls remained the key hurdles to consistent victories.