The Catalunya MotoGP at Barcelona witnessed an eventful race, filled with dramatic twists and turns that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Aleix Espargaro clinched a stellar victory, leading Aprilia’s maiden one-two finish, with Maverick Viñales following closely behind. Jorge Martin secured a commendable third spot, while the reigning champion, Francesco Bagnaia, faced an unfortunate accident, sidelining him with leg injuries. This captivating contest at Barcelona has set the stage for the forthcoming spectacle in India.
As the world of MotoGP shifts its focus eastward, the anticipation is palpable. The Grand Prix of India is on the horizon, and with the memory of Barcelona still fresh, fans and pundits alike are eager to see how the events of Catalunya influence the dynamics on this new racetrack. Will Aprilia continue their dominance? Can Martin close the gap further? And most crucially, how will Bagnaia’s absence affect the championship battle? As the engines roar in anticipation, our expert analysis and betting tips for the Grand Prix of India are coming up, ensuring you’re well-equipped for the next chapter of this thrilling MotoGP season. Stay with us!
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Schedule and How to Watch the 2023 MotoGP Grand Prix of India
The Buddh International Circuit is abuzz with anticipation, readying itself for a series of riveting MotoGP events from September 21st to 24th. It’s all leading up to the crowning glory: the Grand Prix of India. For a detailed view of the weekend’s events, refer to the official 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 Grand Prix of India
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
+322
Jorge Martin
+558
Marco Bezzecchi
+687
Aleix Espargaro
+1150
Maverick Vinales
+1182
Francesco Bagnaia, despite his harrowing accident in Catalunya that led to hospitalization, still holds tight with the shortest odds at +322. His season’s prowess and championship lead cannot be ignored, yet bettors should tread with caution given his recent physical ordeal.
Jorge Martin, with odds of +558, comes off a strong podium finish in Barcelona. He showcased grit and tactical acumen, managing to keep even seasoned racers at bay. A bet on Martin seems promising given his recent form and upward trajectory this season.
Marco Bezzecchi, priced at +687, had a challenging race in Barcelona but remains a top contender, especially if he can recalibrate and adapt to the Buddh International Circuit’s nuances. Meanwhile, Aleix Espargaro’s triumphant run in Barcelona, leading Aprilia’s first-ever one-two finish, certainly makes his +1150 odds enticing for those seeking value.
Lastly, Maverick Vinales, at +1182, might be perceived as a long shot to some. Yet, considering his dominant performance in Catalunya prior to being edged out by his teammate, he remains a wild card with potential for a lucrative payoff.
Outsider Picks
Driver
Event Winner Odds
Payout on $20
Johann Zarco
+1182
$256.40
Brad Binder
+1487
$317.40
Marc Marquez
+1539
$327.80
Johann Zarco, priced at +1182, had a tumultuous experience in Barcelona, getting caught up in a pile-up and failing to capitalize on potential early leads. However, Zarco’s undeniable talent, combined with his drive to recover from the setback, makes that $256.40 payout on a $20 bet quite intriguing.
Brad Binder, coming in with odds of +1487, faced an unfortunate chain of events in Catalunya, from running out of medium front tires to his unavoidable collision with Bagnaia. Yet, this Red Bull KTM talent has shown sparks of brilliance this season. His odds offer a tempting prospect for bettors looking to back an underdog with a potential to upset the status quo.
Then, there’s the seasoned Marc Marquez at +1539. The iconic Repsol Honda rider had a challenging run in Barcelona, struggling and eventually finishing 13th. Still, this is Marc Marquez we’re talking about, a multi-time world champion. While his current form is a concern, counting him out entirely might be premature. A $20 wager could yield $327.80, and with Marquez, a resurgence is always just around the corner.
Head-to-Head Picks
For the upcoming showdown at the Buddh International Circuit, several matchups promise to keep fans on the edge of their seats. Considering recent performances, track records, and the unique characteristics of this circuit, we’ve delved deep into some of the most thrilling head-to-head clashes slated for the Grand Prix of India:
Matchup
(Favorite in Bold)
Winner Odds
Marco Bezzecchi v. Jorge Martin
-115
Alex Marquez v. Luca Marini
-135
Brad Binder v. Marc Marquez
-117
Pol Espargaro v. Franco Morbidelli
-104
Augusto Fernandez v. Fabio Di Giannantonio
-118
Luca Marini v. Jack Miller
-107
Miguel Oliveira v. Fabio Quartararo
-136
Maverick Vinales v. Aleix Espargaro
-105
Expert Pick for the 2023 MotoGP Grand Prix of India
Aleix Espargaro at +1150 offers tantalizing value. Fresh off a commanding victory at Barcelona, Aleix showcased not only his capability to win but also Aprilia Racing’s growing prowess in the MotoGP circuit. With momentum on his side and a clear synergy with the RS-GP23 bike, the payout potential for his odds is quite alluring. Given his recent performance and the ascending trajectory of his team, backing Espargaro seems like a judicious bet for those eyeing value.
Where to Bet on the 2023 MotoGP Grand Prix of India
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The approaching showdown at the Buddh International Circuit promises heart-pounding action for both MotoGP enthusiasts and wagering aficionados. Whether you’re backing the seasoned titans or taking a punt on the dark horses, expect a fusion of high-octane racing and gripping betting prospects.
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Pedro Acosta topped the delayed, weather-affected MotoGP Free Practice One at Goiânia, posting the fastest lap of 1:26.688 aboard his Michelin-shod Red Bull KTM. Jack Miller was 0.087s back on the Prima Pramac Yamaha with a 1:26.775 and Marco Bezzecchi was third in 1:26.918; Marc Márquez (1:26.975), Franco Morbidelli (1:27.170) and Maverick Viñales completed the top six. The session started late after heavy rain and was extended, beginning on wets as the circuit dried; Márquez led much of the early running on wets while Miller became the first rider to switch to slicks about 30 minutes from the end. Accounts vary on whether Acosta’s quickest lap came on wets or during the late scramble on slicks, but his 1:26.688 remained top of the timesheet. Organizers and Michelin provided an enlarged tire allocation for the unpredictable conditions, and teams were mindful that the shortened, rescheduled afternoon practice (moved to 16:00 local and reduced to one hour) would decide the top ten who go straight into Saturday’s Q2.
Moto2’s opening Free Practice One ran in wet morning conditions that kept lap times elevated: Alex Escrig led the class with a 1:30.102 on his Pirelli-shod KLINT Racing Team Forward machine, Izan Guevara was second with a 1:30.171 and Mario Aji third on 1:30.207. The 28-rider field used the damp running to start setup work and tire decisions; later Friday running in the afternoon produced much quicker times (Tony Arbolino topped that session with a 1:23.709), underlining how the drying track changed pace and set-up priorities.
In Moto3 Free Practice One Brian Uriarte topped the 25-rider class with a 1:32.812 on his Red Bull KTM Ajo bike, Maximo Quiles was second on 1:33.206 and Joel Esteban third on 1:33.606. The session was run on the mandated Pirelli control tires and the tight time gaps among the leaders signaled close competition; across all three classes teams said tire choice and the evolving grip as the circuit dried were the decisive factors shaping practice placings and strategy for qualifying and the race weekend.
VR46 was close to re-signing with Ducati for the 2027 season despite exploratory interest from Aprilia. At a recent presentation in Rome, team principal Alessio “Uccio” Salucci said, “I never considered leaving Ducati,” and described talks with Aprilia as cordial. Aprilia’s outreach over the winter was led by CEO Massimo Rivola; Salucci told Motorsport.com he spoke with Rivola “two or three times.” Valentino Rossi also signaled confidence in continuing with Ducati as VR46 begins work toward a 2027 bike.
The team said it was on the verge of finalizing a multi‑year supply deal taking effect in 2027, with one report saying a three‑year 2027–2029 contract was expected to be finalized soon. Salucci described the paperwork as “very close” with only a few “small details” remaining, but warned a public announcement could be delayed while Ducati, Aprilia, Yamaha, KTM and teams negotiate a new manufacturers’/constructors’ agreement and broader commercial terms with MotoGP. Observers said the timing and final form of any 2027 supply arrangement remained contingent on those wider manufacturer–MotoGP talks and planned technical changes for 2027, including the move to the 850cc/Pirelli era.
Background context stressed VR46’s long association with Ducati. The team entered the premier class with Luca Marini, though sources differ on whether that step came in 2021 or 2022, and it replaced Pramac as Ducati’s main satellite team in 2025. Sources also differ on when formal factory support began (reports cite 2024 or 2025), but it is reported that Fabio Di Giannantonio has received the latest Ducati machinery and been run on factory‑spec equipment, while Franco Morbidelli has used a year‑old machine within the VR46 operation. VR46 has recorded race wins on the Desmosedici (most recently Marco Bezzecchi in 2023). Di Giannantonio and Morbidelli are out of contract at the end of this season, and the team reportedly pursued Pedro Acosta before he joined the official Ducati Lenovo squad.
Liberty Media has proposed introducing F1-style permanent reserve riders in MotoGP as part of a new commercial framework, arguing that factories should name one or two reserves who travel to every round and can step in for factory or satellite teams. The proposal is framed as a response to an expanded calendar and a heavier weekend format (Friday practice, a Saturday sprint and a Sunday grand prix) that organizers say has increased injuries and produced prolonged absences — cited examples include Marc Márquez, Jorge Martín and the pre-season injury to Fermin Aldeguer — and is intended to reduce reliance on ad-hoc stand-ins and improve competitiveness and readiness. The idea remains under discussion rather than a confirmed rule change.
Proponents have proposed mandating manufacturer reserves, possibly two riders per brand with one slot reserved for a young rider, and argue such a system could give Moto2 stars meaningful race-weekend exposure and become a pivotal development route if cost and logistical hurdles are addressed. Supporters say a formal reserve pool would cover frequent injuries, avoid situations where full-time riders cannot be replaced and mirror Formula 1’s permanent reserve approach, while Liberty positions the plan alongside other F1-style changes it has introduced since taking control in 2025.
Officials, teams and riders raised multiple practical and commercial objections. Manufacturers currently rely on test riders — such as Dani Pedrosa, Andrea Dovizioso, the Espargaró brothers, Ducati’s Michele Pirro and Aprilia’s Lorenzo Savadori — who focus on bike development rather than being maintained race-ready; Pirro’s best substitute result in the last decade was fourth at the 2018 Valencia Grand Prix and he was over a minute off the lead when deputizing in Thailand, while Savadori scored points twice in 2025 with a best finish of ninth at the wet French Grand Prix. Critics point to the lack of MotoGP simulators, the need for extensive seat time, likely changes to weekend formats, riders’ reluctance to travel without a guaranteed chance to race (Alex Rins said “I wouldn’t be willing to do so”), and scheduling clashes with World Superbike — exemplified by the Nicolò Bulega case — as major obstacles. Ducati sporting director Davide Tardozzi publicly rejected the proposal as “not viable,” and teams warned they would be unwilling to risk their lead SBK or MotoGP riders serving as reserves. The proposal’s fate will hinge on whether manufacturers, teams and series officials can reconcile the operational, financial and talent-development trade-offs involved.
Fabio Di Giannantonio’s hard, fair wheel-to-wheel duel with seven-time champion Marc Márquez defined his weekend at the 2026 Brazilian MotoGP, as he emerged third on the podium after a lengthy fight described as “aggressive but clean.” Di Giannantonio said he studied Márquez’s precision — particularly through left-hand turns — and “picked up a lot of ideas” about how to tackle the Spaniard in future races. The result gave Ducati its first podium of the year in the longer main race and was particularly meaningful to Di Giannantonio because it came from direct on-track combat with such an accomplished rival.
The podium followed a difficult build-up: Di Giannantonio had taken pole on Saturday and finished second in the Sprint after two mistakes handed victory to Márquez, then suffered a heavy crash in Sunday morning Warm Up that badly damaged his Ducati Desmosedici. VR46 Ducati mechanics repaired the bike in time and Di Giannantonio started the shortened Grand Prix — which had been cut by eight laps, a decision he learned about roughly six minutes before the race — despite reporting left-shoulder pain and intermittent loss of concentration from impacts under hard braking. He managed the discomfort through the early laps, found a rhythm and climbed to the podium, leaving Brazil with two podiums overall.
The weekend exposed technical gaps as much as it showcased racecraft. Di Giannantonio credited a small setup change and his crew for lifting him among the best Ducatis on the grid, but warned Aprilia had an advantage on the slippery, deteriorating asphalt and said Ducati must work on front-end stability to carry more speed through corners. Márquez, who finished fourth after a front-end washout on a patch of peeling asphalt and early tire discomfort, acknowledged the strength of Aprilia’s package and elected to back off after his off to protect championship points. Di Giannantonio’s podium also shifted the Ducati pecking order: he left Brazil as the top Ducati rider in the standings, three points clear of Márquez and 19 points behind championship leader Marco Bezzecchi. The result underlined both the value of close wheel-to-wheel racing as a development ground and the technical issues teams will need to address going forward; Ducati’s season-long podium run had already been broken in Thailand, ending an uninterrupted streak that dated back to Silverstone 2021.
Best Bets: 2023 MotoGP Grand Prix of India Pre-Event Odds
Schedule and How to Watch the 2023 MotoGP Grand Prix of India
Best Bets and Picks for the 2023 MotoGP Grand Prix of India
Top Picks and Bets
Outsider Picks
Head-to-Head Picks
Expert Pick for the 2023 MotoGP Grand Prix of India
Where to Bet on the 2023 MotoGP Grand Prix of India
Related Posts
Pedro Acosta tops rain-hit Goiânia FP1 after slick scramble
Pedro Acosta topped the delayed, weather-affected MotoGP Free Practice One at Goiânia, posting the fastest lap of 1:26.688 aboard his Michelin-shod Red Bull KTM. Jack Miller was 0.087s back on the Prima Pramac Yamaha with a 1:26.775 and Marco Bezzecchi was third in 1:26.918; Marc Márquez (1:26.975), Franco Morbidelli (1:27.170) and Maverick Viñales completed the top six. The session started late after heavy rain and was extended, beginning on wets as the circuit dried; Márquez led much of the early running on wets while Miller became the first rider to switch to slicks about 30 minutes from the end. Accounts vary on whether Acosta’s quickest lap came on wets or during the late scramble on slicks, but his 1:26.688 remained top of the timesheet. Organizers and Michelin provided an enlarged tire allocation for the unpredictable conditions, and teams were mindful that the shortened, rescheduled afternoon practice (moved to 16:00 local and reduced to one hour) would decide the top ten who go straight into Saturday’s Q2.
Moto2’s opening Free Practice One ran in wet morning conditions that kept lap times elevated: Alex Escrig led the class with a 1:30.102 on his Pirelli-shod KLINT Racing Team Forward machine, Izan Guevara was second with a 1:30.171 and Mario Aji third on 1:30.207. The 28-rider field used the damp running to start setup work and tire decisions; later Friday running in the afternoon produced much quicker times (Tony Arbolino topped that session with a 1:23.709), underlining how the drying track changed pace and set-up priorities.
In Moto3 Free Practice One Brian Uriarte topped the 25-rider class with a 1:32.812 on his Red Bull KTM Ajo bike, Maximo Quiles was second on 1:33.206 and Joel Esteban third on 1:33.606. The session was run on the mandated Pirelli control tires and the tight time gaps among the leaders signaled close competition; across all three classes teams said tire choice and the evolving grip as the circuit dried were the decisive factors shaping practice placings and strategy for qualifying and the race weekend.
VR46 nears multi-year Ducati supply deal
VR46 was close to re-signing with Ducati for the 2027 season despite exploratory interest from Aprilia. At a recent presentation in Rome, team principal Alessio “Uccio” Salucci said, “I never considered leaving Ducati,” and described talks with Aprilia as cordial. Aprilia’s outreach over the winter was led by CEO Massimo Rivola; Salucci told Motorsport.com he spoke with Rivola “two or three times.” Valentino Rossi also signaled confidence in continuing with Ducati as VR46 begins work toward a 2027 bike.
The team said it was on the verge of finalizing a multi‑year supply deal taking effect in 2027, with one report saying a three‑year 2027–2029 contract was expected to be finalized soon. Salucci described the paperwork as “very close” with only a few “small details” remaining, but warned a public announcement could be delayed while Ducati, Aprilia, Yamaha, KTM and teams negotiate a new manufacturers’/constructors’ agreement and broader commercial terms with MotoGP. Observers said the timing and final form of any 2027 supply arrangement remained contingent on those wider manufacturer–MotoGP talks and planned technical changes for 2027, including the move to the 850cc/Pirelli era.
Background context stressed VR46’s long association with Ducati. The team entered the premier class with Luca Marini, though sources differ on whether that step came in 2021 or 2022, and it replaced Pramac as Ducati’s main satellite team in 2025. Sources also differ on when formal factory support began (reports cite 2024 or 2025), but it is reported that Fabio Di Giannantonio has received the latest Ducati machinery and been run on factory‑spec equipment, while Franco Morbidelli has used a year‑old machine within the VR46 operation. VR46 has recorded race wins on the Desmosedici (most recently Marco Bezzecchi in 2023). Di Giannantonio and Morbidelli are out of contract at the end of this season, and the team reportedly pursued Pedro Acosta before he joined the official Ducati Lenovo squad.
Liberty proposes F1-style permanent reserves for MotoGP
Liberty Media has proposed introducing F1-style permanent reserve riders in MotoGP as part of a new commercial framework, arguing that factories should name one or two reserves who travel to every round and can step in for factory or satellite teams. The proposal is framed as a response to an expanded calendar and a heavier weekend format (Friday practice, a Saturday sprint and a Sunday grand prix) that organizers say has increased injuries and produced prolonged absences — cited examples include Marc Márquez, Jorge Martín and the pre-season injury to Fermin Aldeguer — and is intended to reduce reliance on ad-hoc stand-ins and improve competitiveness and readiness. The idea remains under discussion rather than a confirmed rule change.
Proponents have proposed mandating manufacturer reserves, possibly two riders per brand with one slot reserved for a young rider, and argue such a system could give Moto2 stars meaningful race-weekend exposure and become a pivotal development route if cost and logistical hurdles are addressed. Supporters say a formal reserve pool would cover frequent injuries, avoid situations where full-time riders cannot be replaced and mirror Formula 1’s permanent reserve approach, while Liberty positions the plan alongside other F1-style changes it has introduced since taking control in 2025.
Officials, teams and riders raised multiple practical and commercial objections. Manufacturers currently rely on test riders — such as Dani Pedrosa, Andrea Dovizioso, the Espargaró brothers, Ducati’s Michele Pirro and Aprilia’s Lorenzo Savadori — who focus on bike development rather than being maintained race-ready; Pirro’s best substitute result in the last decade was fourth at the 2018 Valencia Grand Prix and he was over a minute off the lead when deputizing in Thailand, while Savadori scored points twice in 2025 with a best finish of ninth at the wet French Grand Prix. Critics point to the lack of MotoGP simulators, the need for extensive seat time, likely changes to weekend formats, riders’ reluctance to travel without a guaranteed chance to race (Alex Rins said “I wouldn’t be willing to do so”), and scheduling clashes with World Superbike — exemplified by the Nicolò Bulega case — as major obstacles. Ducati sporting director Davide Tardozzi publicly rejected the proposal as “not viable,” and teams warned they would be unwilling to risk their lead SBK or MotoGP riders serving as reserves. The proposal’s fate will hinge on whether manufacturers, teams and series officials can reconcile the operational, financial and talent-development trade-offs involved.
Di Giannantonio third after wheel-to-wheel with Marquez
Fabio Di Giannantonio’s hard, fair wheel-to-wheel duel with seven-time champion Marc Márquez defined his weekend at the 2026 Brazilian MotoGP, as he emerged third on the podium after a lengthy fight described as “aggressive but clean.” Di Giannantonio said he studied Márquez’s precision — particularly through left-hand turns — and “picked up a lot of ideas” about how to tackle the Spaniard in future races. The result gave Ducati its first podium of the year in the longer main race and was particularly meaningful to Di Giannantonio because it came from direct on-track combat with such an accomplished rival.
The podium followed a difficult build-up: Di Giannantonio had taken pole on Saturday and finished second in the Sprint after two mistakes handed victory to Márquez, then suffered a heavy crash in Sunday morning Warm Up that badly damaged his Ducati Desmosedici. VR46 Ducati mechanics repaired the bike in time and Di Giannantonio started the shortened Grand Prix — which had been cut by eight laps, a decision he learned about roughly six minutes before the race — despite reporting left-shoulder pain and intermittent loss of concentration from impacts under hard braking. He managed the discomfort through the early laps, found a rhythm and climbed to the podium, leaving Brazil with two podiums overall.
The weekend exposed technical gaps as much as it showcased racecraft. Di Giannantonio credited a small setup change and his crew for lifting him among the best Ducatis on the grid, but warned Aprilia had an advantage on the slippery, deteriorating asphalt and said Ducati must work on front-end stability to carry more speed through corners. Márquez, who finished fourth after a front-end washout on a patch of peeling asphalt and early tire discomfort, acknowledged the strength of Aprilia’s package and elected to back off after his off to protect championship points. Di Giannantonio’s podium also shifted the Ducati pecking order: he left Brazil as the top Ducati rider in the standings, three points clear of Márquez and 19 points behind championship leader Marco Bezzecchi. The result underlined both the value of close wheel-to-wheel racing as a development ground and the technical issues teams will need to address going forward; Ducati’s season-long podium run had already been broken in Thailand, ending an uninterrupted streak that dated back to Silverstone 2021.