MotoGP DFS has been gaining attention among motorsport enthusiasts in Minnesota. This is because it allows you to interact directly with MotoGP. It lets you make fresh picks for every event and adjust your strategy. In MotoGP DFS, you select riders and then predict whether their finishing position will be higher or lower than what is projected.
MotoGP DFS is legal and available on platforms like Underdog Fantasy and PrizePicks in Minnesota. These platform complies with all state gaming regulations to ensure fair play. In this guide, we will discuss the key steps to playing MotoGP DFS on Underdog Fantasy and PrizePicks. We will also walk you through creating an account, funding it, selecting riders, and choosing contests. We will highlight crucial strategies to increase your chances of winning in MotoGP DFS.
Step-by-Step Guide to Playing MotoGP DFS in Minnesota in Underdog Fantasy
Getting started on MotoGP DFS on Underdog Fantasy is straightforward. Follow the steps below:
Step 1 – Sign Up for Underdog Fantasy
You can create an account on Underdog Fantasy through the official website or download the mobile app. To sign up through the website:
VisitNXTbets to access the Underdog Fantasy website on your browser.
Click “Sign UP” in the upper-right corner of the homepage
Enter your details like username, valid email, secure and strong password.
Enter a promo code if available. Always check NXTbets for active promo codes to claim the Welcome bonus on your first deposit.
Underdog Fantasy will also require you to verify your identity in compliance with Minnesota regulations. The verification process is also simple. You will provide your full name, date of birth, address, and any identity document from Minnesota.
Once you set up your account, you will receive an email confirmation. Follow the instructions to activate your account fully.
Step 2 – Funding Your Account
With a fully verified account, you must fund your account to access the available contests. Below are the steps to deposit money in your account:
On the homepage, click “+” in the upper-right corner.
Select your preferred payment option. In Minnesota, you can use some e-wallets, debit cards, credit cards, PayPal, or bank transfers.
Enter the amount you wish to deposit. Look out for any deposit match bonuses to maximize your funds. Underdog Fantasy offers a 50% match on your first deposit.
Confirm your payment details and submit. The funds should reflect in your account instantly, except for bank transfers that take a few business days.
You can also access the “Deposit” option by clicking “Account” once logged in, then follow the rest of the steps to complete the transaction.
Step 3 – Finding MotoGP DFS Contests on Underdog Fantasy
Finding MotoGP DFS contests on Underdog Fantasy is simple. On the homepage, you can locate contests under Pick’em. For MotoGP DFS, you can play the higher/lower contest featured in the pick’em section. In higher/lower contests, you predict whether a rider will perform higher or lower than their projected finishing position.
Step 4 – Making Your MotoGP DFS Picks
Success in MotoGP DFS depends on the strength and ability of your picks. To build a more competitive lineup, evaluate every rider’s stats. Consider their recent performance data, such as lap times and finishing positions. This will give you invaluable insights into a rider’s track record. You should also consider the different track conditions and how riders perform under them. Every track has unique features, and riders perform differently on specific tracks. If a rider has a record of consistent positive performance on a similar track, they may be a strong choice for your lineup.
Underdog Fantasy allows you to make pre-game and in-game picks, so ensure you choose riders who fit your strategy.
Step 5 – Monitoring Your Picks and Winning Real Money
Once you submit your lineup, watch the race progress, paying attention to your riders’ performances. Also, check the real-time updates through Underdog Fantasy’s live feature. The rankings are updated regularly depending on the real-time events. If your lineup wins, you can claim your winnings, which will be ready for withdrawal from your account.
How to Play MotoGP DFS in PrizePicks
Playing MotoGP DFS in PrizePicks is similar to Underdog Fantasy except for a few different features. Here’s how to go about it:
Step 1: Register an Account
Like underdog Fantasy, you need an account to participate in MotoGP DFS contests in PrizePicks. To do this, visit PrizePick’s official website on your device. You can use your desktop or the mobile app available for both iOS and Android. Click the “Sign Up” button at the right corner of the home page. You will be redirected to a page where you can fill in your details like name, email address, and date of birth and provide a secure password.
For the promo code option, use our code “NXT” to enjoy up to a $50 instant cash bonus when you enter your first $5 contest. These bonuses are crucial since they give you extra cash to play with without risking a significant part of your bankroll.
You must verify your identity to set up your account fully. Therefore, ensure you turn on your location since the platform uses geolocation to verify your identity. Next, provide your details, like name and address, and then click the confirmation link via email.
Step 2: Deposit Money into Your Account
Next, you must fund your account to enter contests. PrizePicks allows the following deposit methods:
Apple Pay
Venmo
PayPal
Credit/Debit cards
Online Banking via AeroPay
To fund your account, locate the “+” button at the top right corner of the desktop or mobile app. Alternatively, you can navigate to the deposit page. Select your preferred payment method and follow the subsequent prompts to complete the transaction.
Step 3: Enter the MotoGP DFS Contest
To enter a contest, navigate to MotoGP in the lobby. Next, select at least two and a maximum of six players with up to 25x payouts. For each player, choose “More” or “Less” based on their projections, then select the type of contest format to participate in.
This platform has Pick’em and Pick’em arena contests. In Pick’em, you can either play Power Play or Flex. In Power Play, all your selections must be correct for you to win, while Flex allows a margin of error, so you may still win even if some of your selections are wrong.
On the other hand, in Pick’em Arena, you compete against other players and potentially win real money if you have the best lineup.
Once you select Power Play or Flex, enter your entry fee. You will notice that the default entry fee is $20; however, you can edit this to fit your interests and preferences. The minimum entry fee is typically $1. Click the “Submit Lineup” button to lock your entries.
Strategies for Winning MotoGP DFS in Minnesota
You require more than intuition to potentially win in MotoGP DFS. Having a strong strategy can give you a more competitive edge. Below are key considerations to keep in mind:
Research Rider Performance
Generally, consistently well-performing riders often offer more reliability. For instance, a rider who has been consistently finishing in the top three may provide good rewards. Look at every rider’s performance history, including aspects like lap times, finishing positions, penalties, and injuries. Such factors will give you insights into which riders to select for your lineup. Also, remember to check riders’ skills, strengths, and weaknesses, as these may impact their overall performance.
Track History
Having a good idea of the track history will also strengthen your strategy. Some riders perform exceptionally well on specific circuits. Riders who perform well on tight technical courses may not perform as well on fast tracks. If you notice that a specific rider has a consistent positive record on a particular track, selecting them for similar tracks may be a good move for your lineup.
Weather Conditions
Weather can drastically affect race results. High temperatures may make riders more exhausted easily. On the other hand, rain makes tracks wet and slippery. Such tracks may favor riders with excellent handling skills over high speeds. To navigate the challenges of weather conditions, research the race-day forecast and select riders with a history of good performance under such conditions.
Legal Considerations for Playing DFS in Minnesota
All in-state sports betting is illegal in Minnesota. However, the state does not have specific legislation regulating DFS. As a result, Minnesota residents continue to play DFS, including MotoGP DFS, in a gray area. Reputable platforms like Underdog Fantasy and PrizePicks provide MotoGP DFS in Minnesota while ensuring fair play. These platforms typically verifies that you are at least 18 years old and reside within Minnesota to access the available MotoGP DFS contests. They also have responsible gaming features like self-exclusion tools and deposit limits to allow you to stay in control of your play.
Playing MotoGP DFS in Minnesota with NXTbets
NXTbets remains committed to promoting responsible MotoGP DFS playing in Minnesota. We have highlighted the essential steps and strategies to get you started on a strong foot. Whether new to daily fantasy sports or a seasoned MotoGP DFS player, this blog will enhance your play and increase your chances of success. We also offer reliable resources to enable you to play in an enjoyable and safe environment. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed of the updates and new trends in MotoGP. To get started with MotoGP DFS, visit NXTbets and start playing today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do Higher/Lower Contests Work in MotoGP DFS?
In Higher/Lower contests, you predict if a rider will perform higher or lower than their projected stats.
Are There Promo Codes for New Players in Minnesota?
Yes, Minnesota players can access exclusive promo codes through NXTbets to enjoy bonuses on their first deposits.
Can I Play Other Sports on Underdog Fantasy in Minnesota?
Yes. Underdog Fantasy offers DFS contests for other sports like Formula 1, NFL, NHL, NBA, MLB, Tennis, WNBA, and MMA. To access these contests, create an account on Underdog Fantasy through NXTbets.
How Can I Play Responsibly While Participating in DFS?
Set a clear deposit for every contest.
Only deposit what you can afford to lose.
Know when to stop playing.
Do not chase after your losses; take a break and adjust your strategy.
Manage your bankroll effectively.
Please refer to Affiliated Operators’ T&C. Void where prohibited. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Fabio Quartararo has signed a two-year contract with Honda that will begin under the new 850cc regulations in 2027. He will leave Yamaha at the end of the 2026 MotoGP season. The 26-year-old 2021 world champion made his MotoGP debut with Yamaha in 2019 and departs after recording 11 victories, 32 podiums, and 21 pole positions for the manufacturer. Despite a contract extension from Yamaha in April 2024 that met his financial demands, Quartararo has not won since the 2022 German Grand Prix and has managed only four podiums since 2023. He cited Yamaha’s lack of progress on its inline-four development as the decisive factor in his decision to move on and opted to leave before testing Yamaha’s new V4 for 2026.
Honda’s announcement locks in the factory team to field Quartararo under the incoming 2027 regulations, though the exact seat within Honda has not been confirmed. Joan Mir and Luca Marini were named in reports as possible vacancies because both are out of contract. The timing of the move was explicitly tied to the sport’s technical reset for 2027, making the regulatory change a major factor in the transfer. Motorsport reporting that preceded the announcement had framed a Quartararo-to-Honda switch as likely to reshape the rider market, with reporter Uri Puigdemont and others noting how an early high-profile move can accelerate negotiations across the paddock.
The deal makes the 2026 season a transitional or “shakedown” year for Quartararo and other riders as teams prepare for the new rules. However, it represents a significant personnel loss for Yamaha. Only a handful of riders, Toprak Razgatlioglu, Diogo Moreira, and Johann Zarco, have publicly confirmed contracts for 2027, underscoring how a confirmed signing of Quartararo could trigger downstream moves. Honda presented the contract as definitive for 2027–2028, framing the next chapters of the championship as a period of notable technical and market change across MotoGP.
The excitement of MotoGP Daily Fantasy Sports has attracted motorsport enthusiasts worldwide. MotoGP DFS allows you to pick an ideal lineup of racers for every race event. You win or lose depending on how your rider picks perform in real life. Unlike traditional sports betting, MotoGP DFS is a game of skill. It requires you …
Yamaha’s switch to a V4-powered M1 was tested under a difficult spotlight at the Sepang pre-season test, where engine failures, handling peculiarities, and a rider injury disrupted the program. The factory team sat out the second day on safety grounds after unspecified engine problems affected Fabio Quartararo and Toprak Razgatlioglu. Quartararo crashed on the opening day, fracturing a finger that required surgery and was ruled out of the remaining days. Reports from the test said both Quartararo and Razgatlioglu destroyed engines during the outing, while Alex Rins added that an unnamed rookie also broke an engine during the program. Yamaha paused running to investigate overnight in Japan and Italy, then resumed later with reduced mileage, using D-concession status to preserve options for further engine work and private tests.
On pace, the new V4 left Yamaha more than a second off the outright lap times and last among the five manufacturers. Sporting manager Maio Meregalli singled out power as the primary shortfall, even as he described the chassis and balance as satisfactory. Jack Miller, who began the official test 14th and finished the final day 17th, downplayed the fault while also saying he needed more consistent track time. He recorded an average top speed of 327.8 km/h, roughly 10 km/h down on Fabio di Giannantonio’s Ducati. The Australian was the only Yamaha rider to complete a ten-lap race simulation, leaving him 13.957 seconds shy of Alex Marquez’s best Sprint benchmark that afternoon. Alex Rins was the quickest Yamaha on pace in 12th, but limited running across the squad made it difficult to assess the package conclusively.
Beyond outright power, riders reported handling disturbances. Razgatlioglu experienced a recurring Michelin rear-tire behavior when lifting the bike to about 25 degrees that only calmed when the gearbox was shifted into fifth or sixth. Jack Miller declined to elaborate on the technical causes when questioned, and other riders gave similarly guarded responses, underscoring unresolved reliability and safety questions heading into the rest of the pre-season. Yamaha now shifts focus to the final pre-season test at Buriram on February 21–22, where early development work will concentrate on extracting more engine performance and resolving the issues uncovered at Sepang.
An eight-second sanction for exceeding Michelin’s specified tire-pressure window demoted Pedro Acosta from third to eighth in the MotoGP Tissot Sprint at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA), promoting Enea Bastianini onto the Sprint podium. Bastianini had started 12th and crossed the line fourth on track before the penalty was applied, giving him his second Sprint podium with the Tech3 #23 KTM. He called the result “an unexpected podium,” said “finally, there weren’t 20 bikes in front of me,” praised the soft-tyre choice and the bike’s top speed, and blamed a qualifying mistake, straightline instability and the crosswind — “my worst enemy” — for his low grid slot and lingering acceleration issues out of Turn 11. Bastianini added that the result restored his confidence after difficult weekends in Thailand and Brazil and he hoped to carry that momentum into Sunday’s main race.
The on-track Sprint was won by Jorge Martin, who took the 10-lap victory by 0.755 seconds over Francesco Bagnaia after a decisive last-lap pass. Martin rode an Aprilia on Michelin control tyres and used a medium rear for the move. Several incidents reshuffled the final classification: on the opening lap pole-sitter Fabio Di Giannantonio and Marc Márquez made contact and both crashed (Márquez was later handed a long-lap penalty); Marco Bezzecchi crashed out after running near the front and failed to finish; and Joan Mir crashed out of fourth on the final lap.
Martin’s Sprint win moved him to the top of the world championship standings on 57 points, one ahead of Marco Bezzecchi on 56, with Acosta third on 49 after the penalty.
How to Play MotoGP DFS in Minnesota
MotoGP DFS has been gaining attention among motorsport enthusiasts in Minnesota. This is because it allows you to interact directly with MotoGP. It lets you make fresh picks for every event and adjust your strategy. In MotoGP DFS, you select riders and then predict whether their finishing position will be higher or lower than what is projected.
MotoGP DFS is legal and available on platforms like Underdog Fantasy and PrizePicks in Minnesota. These platform complies with all state gaming regulations to ensure fair play. In this guide, we will discuss the key steps to playing MotoGP DFS on Underdog Fantasy and PrizePicks. We will also walk you through creating an account, funding it, selecting riders, and choosing contests. We will highlight crucial strategies to increase your chances of winning in MotoGP DFS.
Step-by-Step Guide to Playing MotoGP DFS in Minnesota in Underdog Fantasy
Getting started on MotoGP DFS on Underdog Fantasy is straightforward. Follow the steps below:
Step 1 – Sign Up for Underdog Fantasy
You can create an account on Underdog Fantasy through the official website or download the mobile app. To sign up through the website:
Step 2 – Funding Your Account
With a fully verified account, you must fund your account to access the available contests. Below are the steps to deposit money in your account:
You can also access the “Deposit” option by clicking “Account” once logged in, then follow the rest of the steps to complete the transaction.
Step 3 – Finding MotoGP DFS Contests on Underdog Fantasy
Finding MotoGP DFS contests on Underdog Fantasy is simple. On the homepage, you can locate contests under Pick’em. For MotoGP DFS, you can play the higher/lower contest featured in the pick’em section. In higher/lower contests, you predict whether a rider will perform higher or lower than their projected finishing position.
Step 4 – Making Your MotoGP DFS Picks
Success in MotoGP DFS depends on the strength and ability of your picks. To build a more competitive lineup, evaluate every rider’s stats. Consider their recent performance data, such as lap times and finishing positions. This will give you invaluable insights into a rider’s track record. You should also consider the different track conditions and how riders perform under them. Every track has unique features, and riders perform differently on specific tracks. If a rider has a record of consistent positive performance on a similar track, they may be a strong choice for your lineup.
Underdog Fantasy allows you to make pre-game and in-game picks, so ensure you choose riders who fit your strategy.
Step 5 – Monitoring Your Picks and Winning Real Money
Once you submit your lineup, watch the race progress, paying attention to your riders’ performances. Also, check the real-time updates through Underdog Fantasy’s live feature. The rankings are updated regularly depending on the real-time events. If your lineup wins, you can claim your winnings, which will be ready for withdrawal from your account.
How to Play MotoGP DFS in PrizePicks
Playing MotoGP DFS in PrizePicks is similar to Underdog Fantasy except for a few different features. Here’s how to go about it:
Step 1: Register an Account
Like underdog Fantasy, you need an account to participate in MotoGP DFS contests in PrizePicks. To do this, visit PrizePick’s official website on your device. You can use your desktop or the mobile app available for both iOS and Android. Click the “Sign Up” button at the right corner of the home page. You will be redirected to a page where you can fill in your details like name, email address, and date of birth and provide a secure password.
For the promo code option, use our code “NXT” to enjoy up to a $50 instant cash bonus when you enter your first $5 contest. These bonuses are crucial since they give you extra cash to play with without risking a significant part of your bankroll.
You must verify your identity to set up your account fully. Therefore, ensure you turn on your location since the platform uses geolocation to verify your identity. Next, provide your details, like name and address, and then click the confirmation link via email.
Step 2: Deposit Money into Your Account
Next, you must fund your account to enter contests. PrizePicks allows the following deposit methods:
To fund your account, locate the “+” button at the top right corner of the desktop or mobile app. Alternatively, you can navigate to the deposit page. Select your preferred payment method and follow the subsequent prompts to complete the transaction.
Step 3: Enter the MotoGP DFS Contest
To enter a contest, navigate to MotoGP in the lobby. Next, select at least two and a maximum of six players with up to 25x payouts. For each player, choose “More” or “Less” based on their projections, then select the type of contest format to participate in.
This platform has Pick’em and Pick’em arena contests. In Pick’em, you can either play Power Play or Flex. In Power Play, all your selections must be correct for you to win, while Flex allows a margin of error, so you may still win even if some of your selections are wrong.
On the other hand, in Pick’em Arena, you compete against other players and potentially win real money if you have the best lineup.
Once you select Power Play or Flex, enter your entry fee. You will notice that the default entry fee is $20; however, you can edit this to fit your interests and preferences. The minimum entry fee is typically $1. Click the “Submit Lineup” button to lock your entries.
Strategies for Winning MotoGP DFS in Minnesota
You require more than intuition to potentially win in MotoGP DFS. Having a strong strategy can give you a more competitive edge. Below are key considerations to keep in mind:
Research Rider Performance
Generally, consistently well-performing riders often offer more reliability. For instance, a rider who has been consistently finishing in the top three may provide good rewards. Look at every rider’s performance history, including aspects like lap times, finishing positions, penalties, and injuries. Such factors will give you insights into which riders to select for your lineup. Also, remember to check riders’ skills, strengths, and weaknesses, as these may impact their overall performance.
Track History
Having a good idea of the track history will also strengthen your strategy. Some riders perform exceptionally well on specific circuits. Riders who perform well on tight technical courses may not perform as well on fast tracks. If you notice that a specific rider has a consistent positive record on a particular track, selecting them for similar tracks may be a good move for your lineup.
Weather Conditions
Weather can drastically affect race results. High temperatures may make riders more exhausted easily. On the other hand, rain makes tracks wet and slippery. Such tracks may favor riders with excellent handling skills over high speeds. To navigate the challenges of weather conditions, research the race-day forecast and select riders with a history of good performance under such conditions.
Legal Considerations for Playing DFS in Minnesota
All in-state sports betting is illegal in Minnesota. However, the state does not have specific legislation regulating DFS. As a result, Minnesota residents continue to play DFS, including MotoGP DFS, in a gray area. Reputable platforms like Underdog Fantasy and PrizePicks provide MotoGP DFS in Minnesota while ensuring fair play. These platforms typically verifies that you are at least 18 years old and reside within Minnesota to access the available MotoGP DFS contests. They also have responsible gaming features like self-exclusion tools and deposit limits to allow you to stay in control of your play.
Playing MotoGP DFS in Minnesota with NXTbets
NXTbets remains committed to promoting responsible MotoGP DFS playing in Minnesota. We have highlighted the essential steps and strategies to get you started on a strong foot. Whether new to daily fantasy sports or a seasoned MotoGP DFS player, this blog will enhance your play and increase your chances of success. We also offer reliable resources to enable you to play in an enjoyable and safe environment. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed of the updates and new trends in MotoGP. To get started with MotoGP DFS, visit NXTbets and start playing today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
In Higher/Lower contests, you predict if a rider will perform higher or lower than their projected stats.
Yes, Minnesota players can access exclusive promo codes through NXTbets to enjoy bonuses on their first deposits.
Yes. Underdog Fantasy offers DFS contests for other sports like Formula 1, NFL, NHL, NBA, MLB, Tennis, WNBA, and MMA. To access these contests, create an account on Underdog Fantasy through NXTbets.
Please refer to Affiliated Operators’ T&C. Void where prohibited. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Related Posts
Honda Signs Quartararo for 2027; Mir, Marini possible
Fabio Quartararo has signed a two-year contract with Honda that will begin under the new 850cc regulations in 2027. He will leave Yamaha at the end of the 2026 MotoGP season. The 26-year-old 2021 world champion made his MotoGP debut with Yamaha in 2019 and departs after recording 11 victories, 32 podiums, and 21 pole positions for the manufacturer. Despite a contract extension from Yamaha in April 2024 that met his financial demands, Quartararo has not won since the 2022 German Grand Prix and has managed only four podiums since 2023. He cited Yamaha’s lack of progress on its inline-four development as the decisive factor in his decision to move on and opted to leave before testing Yamaha’s new V4 for 2026.
Honda’s announcement locks in the factory team to field Quartararo under the incoming 2027 regulations, though the exact seat within Honda has not been confirmed. Joan Mir and Luca Marini were named in reports as possible vacancies because both are out of contract. The timing of the move was explicitly tied to the sport’s technical reset for 2027, making the regulatory change a major factor in the transfer. Motorsport reporting that preceded the announcement had framed a Quartararo-to-Honda switch as likely to reshape the rider market, with reporter Uri Puigdemont and others noting how an early high-profile move can accelerate negotiations across the paddock.
The deal makes the 2026 season a transitional or “shakedown” year for Quartararo and other riders as teams prepare for the new rules. However, it represents a significant personnel loss for Yamaha. Only a handful of riders, Toprak Razgatlioglu, Diogo Moreira, and Johann Zarco, have publicly confirmed contracts for 2027, underscoring how a confirmed signing of Quartararo could trigger downstream moves. Honda presented the contract as definitive for 2027–2028, framing the next chapters of the championship as a period of notable technical and market change across MotoGP.
How to Play MotoGP DFS in Vermont
The excitement of MotoGP Daily Fantasy Sports has attracted motorsport enthusiasts worldwide. MotoGP DFS allows you to pick an ideal lineup of racers for every race event. You win or lose depending on how your rider picks perform in real life. Unlike traditional sports betting, MotoGP DFS is a game of skill. It requires you …
Engine Failures Force Yamaha to Pause Sepang Running
Yamaha’s switch to a V4-powered M1 was tested under a difficult spotlight at the Sepang pre-season test, where engine failures, handling peculiarities, and a rider injury disrupted the program. The factory team sat out the second day on safety grounds after unspecified engine problems affected Fabio Quartararo and Toprak Razgatlioglu. Quartararo crashed on the opening day, fracturing a finger that required surgery and was ruled out of the remaining days. Reports from the test said both Quartararo and Razgatlioglu destroyed engines during the outing, while Alex Rins added that an unnamed rookie also broke an engine during the program. Yamaha paused running to investigate overnight in Japan and Italy, then resumed later with reduced mileage, using D-concession status to preserve options for further engine work and private tests.
On pace, the new V4 left Yamaha more than a second off the outright lap times and last among the five manufacturers. Sporting manager Maio Meregalli singled out power as the primary shortfall, even as he described the chassis and balance as satisfactory. Jack Miller, who began the official test 14th and finished the final day 17th, downplayed the fault while also saying he needed more consistent track time. He recorded an average top speed of 327.8 km/h, roughly 10 km/h down on Fabio di Giannantonio’s Ducati. The Australian was the only Yamaha rider to complete a ten-lap race simulation, leaving him 13.957 seconds shy of Alex Marquez’s best Sprint benchmark that afternoon. Alex Rins was the quickest Yamaha on pace in 12th, but limited running across the squad made it difficult to assess the package conclusively.
Beyond outright power, riders reported handling disturbances. Razgatlioglu experienced a recurring Michelin rear-tire behavior when lifting the bike to about 25 degrees that only calmed when the gearbox was shifted into fifth or sixth. Jack Miller declined to elaborate on the technical causes when questioned, and other riders gave similarly guarded responses, underscoring unresolved reliability and safety questions heading into the rest of the pre-season. Yamaha now shifts focus to the final pre-season test at Buriram on February 21–22, where early development work will concentrate on extracting more engine performance and resolving the issues uncovered at Sepang.
Bastianini back on Tech3 podium after COTA Sprint penalty
An eight-second sanction for exceeding Michelin’s specified tire-pressure window demoted Pedro Acosta from third to eighth in the MotoGP Tissot Sprint at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA), promoting Enea Bastianini onto the Sprint podium. Bastianini had started 12th and crossed the line fourth on track before the penalty was applied, giving him his second Sprint podium with the Tech3 #23 KTM. He called the result “an unexpected podium,” said “finally, there weren’t 20 bikes in front of me,” praised the soft-tyre choice and the bike’s top speed, and blamed a qualifying mistake, straightline instability and the crosswind — “my worst enemy” — for his low grid slot and lingering acceleration issues out of Turn 11. Bastianini added that the result restored his confidence after difficult weekends in Thailand and Brazil and he hoped to carry that momentum into Sunday’s main race.
The on-track Sprint was won by Jorge Martin, who took the 10-lap victory by 0.755 seconds over Francesco Bagnaia after a decisive last-lap pass. Martin rode an Aprilia on Michelin control tyres and used a medium rear for the move. Several incidents reshuffled the final classification: on the opening lap pole-sitter Fabio Di Giannantonio and Marc Márquez made contact and both crashed (Márquez was later handed a long-lap penalty); Marco Bezzecchi crashed out after running near the front and failed to finish; and Joan Mir crashed out of fourth on the final lap.
Martin’s Sprint win moved him to the top of the world championship standings on 57 points, one ahead of Marco Bezzecchi on 56, with Acosta third on 49 after the penalty.