The thrill of the Austrian Grand Prix 2023 at the Red Bull Ring may have subsided, but the MotoGP world is already buzzing with anticipation for the upcoming clash at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Spielberg witnessed a masterclass performance from Ducati’s Pecco Bagnaia, who not only won the race but also expanded his championship lead. As the tension in the championship escalates, the racers are readying themselves for another round of intense competition, aiming to grab vital points and reinforce their standings. In the lead-up to the Barcelona face-off, we will provide a fresh breakdown of the implications of the Austrian GP results, along with the latest betting odds and strategic advice to refine your betting approach.
For those who thrive on the exhilaration of MotoGP, the 2023 Austrian Grand Prix was a showcase of insightful betting. As the season unfolds, stay connected to our expert commentary, which will include exclusive odds before the race, thorough evaluations, and indispensable recommendations to aid you in making astute betting choices.
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Schedule and How to Watch the 2023 MotoGP Barcelona Grand Prix
The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is gearing up to host a slew of MotoGP events from September 1st to 3rd, all culminating in the main spectacle: the Barcelona Grand Prix. For a detailed view of the weekend’s events, refer to the official MotoGP Barcelona Grand Prix schedule. For enthusiasts who can’t be at the venue in person, be sure to check the official MotoGP website for viewing options. (Note: While live broadcasts might be limited in certain regions, including the US, you can still catch comprehensive race highlights and updates on the website!) If betting is on your agenda, don’t forget to follow the live action and keep an eye on NXTbets for updates on odds and prices.
Best Bets and Picks for the 2023 MotoGP Barcelona Grand Prix
With a range of betting options available, from Event Winner to Head-to-Head bets, bettors are presented with a wide spectrum of wagering opportunities. Here are our top picks and dark horse selections for this event:
Top Picks and Bets
Driver
Event Winner Odds
Francesco Bagnaia
+408
Marco Bezzecchi
+468
Jorge Martin
+619
Luca Marini
+1011
Alex Marquez
+1063
Francesco Bagnaia, who secured a crucial victory at the Red Bull Ring, is the favorite with odds of +408. This win not only bolstered his championship lead but also cemented his status as a top contender for the Event Winner at the Barcelona GP.
Marco Bezzecchi, with odds of +468, is another strong contender. He finished third in the Austrian GP, showcasing his ability to compete at the highest level and making him a sensible pick for the Barcelona race.
Jorge Martin, despite finishing 7th in the Austrian GP, is still in the mix with odds of +619. He is currently second in the championship standings, trailing Bagnaia by 62 points. This gap underscores the importance of a strong finish in Barcelona for Martin.
Luca Marini and Alex Marquez, with odds of +1011 and +1063 respectively, are the dark horses in this race. Marini finished fourth in the Austrian GP, indicating his potential to upset the odds. Alex Marquez, on the other hand, finished fifth in the Austrian GP, making him a compelling option for those looking for value bets. While Bagnaia and Bezzecchi are the favorites, the recent performances of Marini and Marquez suggest that they could provide a surprise in the Barcelona GP.
Outsider Picks
Driver
Event Winner Odds
Payout on $20
Johann Zarco
+1090
$238.00
Aleix Espargaro
+1487
$314.40
Miguel Oliveira
+1513
$322.60
The outsider picks, although less favored, present an enticing opportunity for a lucrative payout. Johann Zarco, with odds of +1090, stands as a tempting choice that could lead to a $238.00 windfall from a $20 bet. Despite a less than stellar performance at the Austrian GP, finishing outside the top 10, Zarco holds a respectable fifth place in the championship standings, indicating his potential to rebound in Barcelona.
Aleix Espargaro, at +1487 odds, represents another intriguing prospect, with a $20 bet potentially yielding $314.40. Espargaro secured a ninth-place finish at the Austrian GP and currently ranks seventh in the championship standings. While he has yet to claim a podium spot this season, his consistent performances make him a worthwhile consideration.
Lastly, Miguel Oliveira, with the longest odds among the outsiders at +1513, offers a chance for a $322.60 return on a $20 bet. Although Oliveira finished outside the top 10 in Austria, he has managed a podium finish this season, demonstrating his capacity for strong performances.
While the outsider picks come with their share of risks, each rider has demonstrated moments of brilliance throughout the season, suggesting the potential for a surprise outcome at the Barcelona GP. As with any betting endeavor, it is essential to weigh the potential rewards against the risks involved carefully.
Head-To-Head Picks
For the upcoming race at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, certain matchups are particularly riveting. Taking into account recent performances, track records, and the specific traits of the circuit, we’ve analyzed some of the most captivating head-to-head matchups for the Barcelona GP:
Matchup(Favorite in Bold)
Odds
Francesco Bagnaia v. Jorge Martin
-170
Alex Marquez v. Luca Marini
-127
Maverick Vinales v. Alex Marquez
-126
Aleix Espargaro v. Miguel Oliveira
-140
Marco Bezzecchi v. Jorge Martin
-138
Augusto Fernandez v. Takaaki Nakagami
-178
Maverick Vinales v. Aleix Espargaro
-131
Brad Binder v. Jack Miller
-144
Enea Bastianini v. Fabio Quartararo
+1011
Expert Pick for the MotoGP Barcelona
Our top pick for the Barcelona GP is Marco Bezzecchi at +468. Coming off a strong podium finish at the Austrian GP, Bezzecchi is in prime form and currently sits third in the championship standings. While there are riders with shorter odds, Bezzecchi offers a great balance of risk and reward. A bet on Bezzecchi provides a solid chance for a sizable return without venturing too far into longshot territory.
Where to Bet on the 2023 MotoGP Barcelona Grand Prix
Bets for the 2023 MotoGP Barcelona Grand Prix can be placed at our partner sportsbooks. Don’t forget to check the latest odds and promotions before placing your MotoGP bets.
The upcoming event at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is set to be a thrilling spectacle for MotoGP fans and bettors alike. Whether you’re placing your bets on the proven leaders or rolling the dice on the underdogs, this race promises to deliver not only top-notch racing action but also fascinating betting opportunities.
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Dorna Sports announced it has renamed itself MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group (MotoGP SEG), repositioning MotoGP as an entertainment-first global platform built on what the company calls “world innovation.” Chief Executive Carmelo Ezpeleta described the change as “a statement of intent” and “more than a simple rebrand,” framing it as a future-facing effort to expand MotoGP’s global reach and market standing in sports entertainment.
The new identity formalizes Dorna’s evolution since it became the exclusive commercial and broadcast rights holder for MotoGP in 1992 and consolidates management of several series under a single entertainment-focused group. MotoGP SEG will continue to manage MotoGP, Moto2, Moto3 and the Road to MotoGP development pathway, and will also oversee the World Superbike Championship (WorldSBK) and the newly created Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup; the Harley-Davidson relationship was cited as part of event expansion. Leadership says the repositioning aims to accelerate digital innovation, immersive fan engagement and global storytelling to broaden reach and attract younger, more diverse audiences while preserving the core racing spectacle.
The announcement emphasized brand and platform ambitions rather than operational details, personnel changes or specific commercial deals. Liberty Media completed a €4.2 billion acquisition of Dorna in 2024 and has largely left management in place, though Chief Commercial Officer Dan Rossomondo departed in late 2025. Some stakeholders have raised concerns that consolidating motorcycle racing properties under MotoGP SEG could dilute WorldSBK’s distinct identity.
Toprak Razgatlioglu, the 29-year-old three-time WorldSBK champion, began his MotoGP transition under a two-year Yamaha factory deal with Pramac and is scheduled to make his race debut on March 1 in Thailand. Yamaha has mobilized support to speed his learning, enlisting test rider Andrea Dovizioso and other resources at Sepang to smooth the switch from WorldSBK machinery and Pirelli rubber to MotoGP-spec bikes and Michelin tires. Team messages and Razgatlioglu’s own comments framed 2026 as a development year focused on setup work, track familiarization, and adapting his riding technique to the prototype environment.
During the Sepang shakedown, Razgatlioglu posted a 1:58.465 on Day 3 to finish 10th, ahead of teammate Jack Miller. The result came after he posted the slowest time on day one of testing, registering a gap of roughly 1.6–1.9 seconds to Marc Márquez and about 0.8–1.0 seconds to the fastest Yamaha ridden by Fabio Quartararo. He was within roughly half a second of Jack Miller and Alex Rins, establishing them as nearer-term benchmarks while the team focuses on data-gathering rather than outright lap times. Jack Miller publicly reacted to seeing Razgatlioglu on the Yamaha, noting visible differences in seating and aerodynamics tied to the Turkish rider’s height.
Technically, Razgatlioglu has been experimenting with a markedly different ergonomics package, including a lower seat, higher handlebars, and a rear tail that improved braking stability and rear control. The experiments gave Yamaha time to prepare an M1 set-up for his larger stature. His height (over six feet) limits the use of Yamaha’s seat aero without breaching MotoGP bike-height rules, a practical constraint that factors into fit and aero choices. On tires, he said Michelin rubber feels different to Pirelli. Braking is good, but acceleration requires a smoother approach, so his aggressive WorldSBK late-braking habits need modification to suit MotoGP-style corner entry and chassis behavior. The combined package of ergonomics, tire adaptation, and revised braking technique remains the immediate focus as he continues incremental adjustments ahead of the opening round.
Maverick Viñales announced at the KTM/Tech3 KTM 2026 launch that he has hired three-time champion Jorge Lorenzo as his performance coach. The formal partnership is formed to turn Viñales’s clear, raw pace into a sustained title challenge. Lorenzo’s remit covers technical areas such as throttle management, braking, race-specific preparation, and setting concrete, measurable goals; he is expected to join Viñales for testing and early races and has already been working closely with him since being brought in late in the previous season. Viñales said discussions about working together began after his double win at the 2024 Grand Prix of the Americas, though family timing delayed his ability to commit full-time. The hire represents a notable personnel change at Tech3 KTM and a pragmatic reconciliation between two former rivals who have moved from public barbs to a close, performance-focused working relationship.
Viñales also confirmed he has recovered from the Sachsenring shoulder injury that disrupted his 2025 campaign and missed the second half of that season. He reports he has regained weight, up 13 pounds from a previous benchmark of 134 pounds. In addition, the Red Bull Athlete Performance Center has confirmed his power has returned, and he expects to be fully fit for the upcoming Sepang test. Winter work has targeted specific weaknesses. Lorenzo has pushed wet sessions and 600cc training to improve sliding technique and rear-tire use, while Viñales and his engineers have focused on reducing rear shaking and improving cornering. After the first test, Viñales received positive feedback from Pedro Acosta and plans to use the pre-season tests to provide development input and validate measurable progress.
The partnership is presented as both an immediate performance aid and a potential stepping stone toward longer-term moves. Spanish outlet AS reported KTM is prioritizing Viñales as a possible factory signing for 2027 should Pedro Acosta leave. Viñales has emphasized that pure talent isn’t enough and that hard, structured work is required to become a reference point within KTM, with Lorenzo bringing a hands-on coaching approach to convert speed into race-winning consistency. All elements, including physical recovery, targeted technical work, hands-on coaching, and positive early test feedback, are being marshaled with the explicit aim of turning Viñales’s pace into sustained results for the 2026 season and beyond.
MotoGP officials confirmed a major calendar overhaul as Liberty Media, MotoGP’s new owners, will replace Phillip Island with a planned Adelaide circuit as part of a push for more city-center events. Liberty announced Phillip Island will no longer host the Australian Grand Prix, though reports differ on the timing — the announcement cites a change “from 2027,” while some reports say Phillip Island was removed from the 2026 calendar. Some outlets suggested Adelaide could take the season-finale slot while Valencia moves into the middle of the season.
The move provoked widespread criticism from riders, commentators and fans; commentator Keith Huewen called the loss “tragic.” Organizers acknowledged the decision has created uncertainty for local communities and supporters.
Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta defended the overhaul on safety grounds, saying “safety comes first,” and citing an increased number of accidents at Phillip Island and persistent wind and rain concerns. He said safety — not location alone — will determine which venues remain on the calendar, warning that Madrid’s IFEMA layout lacked required safety conditions and that Suzuka, while “a beautiful circuit,” could not remain under current safety standards. Organizers and circuit designer Jarno Zaffelli described the planned Adelaide layout as urban but not a true street circuit: Ezpeleta called it a “safe, non-street race,” and Zaffelli said it would not be a “true street circuit.” Liberty Media has signaled further calendar changes as it modernizes and globalizes MotoGP’s schedule, identifying at least one other unnamed circuit for removal; the dispute frames a broader clash between a push for more city-center events (and some street-style proposals) and defenders of traditional high-speed venues, with venue design and safety at the center of the debate.
Best Bets: 2023 MotoGP Barcelona Grand Prix Pre-Event Odds
Table of Contents
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Schedule and How to Watch the 2023 MotoGP Barcelona Grand Prix
Best Bets and Picks for the 2023 MotoGP Barcelona Grand Prix
Top Picks and Bets
Outsider Picks
Head-To-Head Picks
Expert Pick for the MotoGP Barcelona
Where to Bet on the 2023 MotoGP Barcelona Grand Prix
Related Posts
Ezpeleta repositions MotoGP as entertainment-first platform
Dorna Sports announced it has renamed itself MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group (MotoGP SEG), repositioning MotoGP as an entertainment-first global platform built on what the company calls “world innovation.” Chief Executive Carmelo Ezpeleta described the change as “a statement of intent” and “more than a simple rebrand,” framing it as a future-facing effort to expand MotoGP’s global reach and market standing in sports entertainment.
The new identity formalizes Dorna’s evolution since it became the exclusive commercial and broadcast rights holder for MotoGP in 1992 and consolidates management of several series under a single entertainment-focused group. MotoGP SEG will continue to manage MotoGP, Moto2, Moto3 and the Road to MotoGP development pathway, and will also oversee the World Superbike Championship (WorldSBK) and the newly created Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup; the Harley-Davidson relationship was cited as part of event expansion. Leadership says the repositioning aims to accelerate digital innovation, immersive fan engagement and global storytelling to broaden reach and attract younger, more diverse audiences while preserving the core racing spectacle.
The announcement emphasized brand and platform ambitions rather than operational details, personnel changes or specific commercial deals. Liberty Media completed a €4.2 billion acquisition of Dorna in 2024 and has largely left management in place, though Chief Commercial Officer Dan Rossomondo departed in late 2025. Some stakeholders have raised concerns that consolidating motorcycle racing properties under MotoGP SEG could dilute WorldSBK’s distinct identity.
Yamaha and Dovizioso Back Toprak Before Thailand Debut
Toprak Razgatlioglu, the 29-year-old three-time WorldSBK champion, began his MotoGP transition under a two-year Yamaha factory deal with Pramac and is scheduled to make his race debut on March 1 in Thailand. Yamaha has mobilized support to speed his learning, enlisting test rider Andrea Dovizioso and other resources at Sepang to smooth the switch from WorldSBK machinery and Pirelli rubber to MotoGP-spec bikes and Michelin tires. Team messages and Razgatlioglu’s own comments framed 2026 as a development year focused on setup work, track familiarization, and adapting his riding technique to the prototype environment.
During the Sepang shakedown, Razgatlioglu posted a 1:58.465 on Day 3 to finish 10th, ahead of teammate Jack Miller. The result came after he posted the slowest time on day one of testing, registering a gap of roughly 1.6–1.9 seconds to Marc Márquez and about 0.8–1.0 seconds to the fastest Yamaha ridden by Fabio Quartararo. He was within roughly half a second of Jack Miller and Alex Rins, establishing them as nearer-term benchmarks while the team focuses on data-gathering rather than outright lap times. Jack Miller publicly reacted to seeing Razgatlioglu on the Yamaha, noting visible differences in seating and aerodynamics tied to the Turkish rider’s height.
Technically, Razgatlioglu has been experimenting with a markedly different ergonomics package, including a lower seat, higher handlebars, and a rear tail that improved braking stability and rear control. The experiments gave Yamaha time to prepare an M1 set-up for his larger stature. His height (over six feet) limits the use of Yamaha’s seat aero without breaching MotoGP bike-height rules, a practical constraint that factors into fit and aero choices. On tires, he said Michelin rubber feels different to Pirelli. Braking is good, but acceleration requires a smoother approach, so his aggressive WorldSBK late-braking habits need modification to suit MotoGP-style corner entry and chassis behavior. The combined package of ergonomics, tire adaptation, and revised braking technique remains the immediate focus as he continues incremental adjustments ahead of the opening round.
Viñales Hires Jorge Lorenzo to Convert Pace into Titles
Maverick Viñales announced at the KTM/Tech3 KTM 2026 launch that he has hired three-time champion Jorge Lorenzo as his performance coach. The formal partnership is formed to turn Viñales’s clear, raw pace into a sustained title challenge. Lorenzo’s remit covers technical areas such as throttle management, braking, race-specific preparation, and setting concrete, measurable goals; he is expected to join Viñales for testing and early races and has already been working closely with him since being brought in late in the previous season. Viñales said discussions about working together began after his double win at the 2024 Grand Prix of the Americas, though family timing delayed his ability to commit full-time. The hire represents a notable personnel change at Tech3 KTM and a pragmatic reconciliation between two former rivals who have moved from public barbs to a close, performance-focused working relationship.
Viñales also confirmed he has recovered from the Sachsenring shoulder injury that disrupted his 2025 campaign and missed the second half of that season. He reports he has regained weight, up 13 pounds from a previous benchmark of 134 pounds. In addition, the Red Bull Athlete Performance Center has confirmed his power has returned, and he expects to be fully fit for the upcoming Sepang test. Winter work has targeted specific weaknesses. Lorenzo has pushed wet sessions and 600cc training to improve sliding technique and rear-tire use, while Viñales and his engineers have focused on reducing rear shaking and improving cornering. After the first test, Viñales received positive feedback from Pedro Acosta and plans to use the pre-season tests to provide development input and validate measurable progress.
The partnership is presented as both an immediate performance aid and a potential stepping stone toward longer-term moves. Spanish outlet AS reported KTM is prioritizing Viñales as a possible factory signing for 2027 should Pedro Acosta leave. Viñales has emphasized that pure talent isn’t enough and that hard, structured work is required to become a reference point within KTM, with Lorenzo bringing a hands-on coaching approach to convert speed into race-winning consistency. All elements, including physical recovery, targeted technical work, hands-on coaching, and positive early test feedback, are being marshaled with the explicit aim of turning Viñales’s pace into sustained results for the 2026 season and beyond.
Liberty Media drops Phillip Island for Adelaide circuit
MotoGP officials confirmed a major calendar overhaul as Liberty Media, MotoGP’s new owners, will replace Phillip Island with a planned Adelaide circuit as part of a push for more city-center events. Liberty announced Phillip Island will no longer host the Australian Grand Prix, though reports differ on the timing — the announcement cites a change “from 2027,” while some reports say Phillip Island was removed from the 2026 calendar. Some outlets suggested Adelaide could take the season-finale slot while Valencia moves into the middle of the season.
The move provoked widespread criticism from riders, commentators and fans; commentator Keith Huewen called the loss “tragic.” Organizers acknowledged the decision has created uncertainty for local communities and supporters.
Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta defended the overhaul on safety grounds, saying “safety comes first,” and citing an increased number of accidents at Phillip Island and persistent wind and rain concerns. He said safety — not location alone — will determine which venues remain on the calendar, warning that Madrid’s IFEMA layout lacked required safety conditions and that Suzuka, while “a beautiful circuit,” could not remain under current safety standards. Organizers and circuit designer Jarno Zaffelli described the planned Adelaide layout as urban but not a true street circuit: Ezpeleta called it a “safe, non-street race,” and Zaffelli said it would not be a “true street circuit.” Liberty Media has signaled further calendar changes as it modernizes and globalizes MotoGP’s schedule, identifying at least one other unnamed circuit for removal; the dispute frames a broader clash between a push for more city-center events (and some street-style proposals) and defenders of traditional high-speed venues, with venue design and safety at the center of the debate.