Austin, Texas – Marco Bezzecchi of Aprilia Racing extended his remarkable winning streak to three races, securing victory at the Grand Prix of the Americas in Austin, Texas, on Sunday. The Italian rider led from the first lap, demonstrating a commanding performance at the Circuit of the Americas. Jorge Martín, also riding for Aprilia, finished second, even as Pedro Acosta of KTM rounded out the podium in third. The result solidifies the top three positions in the MotoGP World Championship standings, mirroring the race results with Bezzecchi, Martín, and Acosta in that order.
Bezzecchi’s win marks the first time a rider has won the opening three races of a MotoGP season since Marc Márquez achieved the feat in 2014. The victory also represents a significant milestone for Aprilia, showcasing the competitiveness of their machinery and riders.
Early Contact, Dominant Performance
The race wasn’t without early drama. Bezzecchi and Acosta were involved in a dramatic clash on the opening lap at the exit of Turn 11, nearly causing both riders to fall. According to reports, Bezzecchi attempted to pass Acosta, and the two made contact as they accelerated onto the back straight. Acosta ran wide over the kerb, and Bezzecchi drifted into him, unsettling the KTM. Despite the contact, Bezzecchi managed to retain control and even snatch the lead. Remarkably, the incident wasn’t investigated by race stewards, and neither rider placed blame on the other.
“Pedro was in front, and I wanted to try to go in front [of him], because keeping the front tyre fresh here is always a crucial part,” Bezzecchi explained after the race. “At Turn 11, he braked very late, and I did as well, but a bit earlier compared to him. We both went wide, but he went wider than me. So, I said, ‘OK, I will try to pass him at the exit’ and I set my head down. When I put my head again inside the fairing, I was really, really close, and I couldn’t avoid the contact. Fortunately, everything went well.”
Visible damage to Bezzecchi’s bike, including missing bodywork, didn’t hinder his pace. He quickly established a lead and controlled the race from the front, demonstrating the strength of both his riding and the Aprilia machine.
Bezzecchi Breaks Record, Extends Championship Lead
During the race, Bezzecchi also broke a MotoGP record, completing 104 consecutive laps led, surpassing the previous record of 103 laps held by Jorge Lorenzo in 2015. This statistic underscores Bezzecchi’s consistent performance and ability to maintain a strong pace throughout races.
The win further extends Bezzecchi’s lead in the MotoGP World Championship standings. He now leads teammate Jorge Martín by four points, setting the stage for an exciting battle for the title as the season progresses. The Aprilia duo’s strong start to the season has positioned them as early favorites for championship contention.
Márquez Struggles, Di Giannantonio Follows
While Bezzecchi and Martín dominated the top spots, other notable riders faced challenges. Reigning world champion Marc Márquez, who was considered a pre-season favorite, finished in fifth place. Márquez received a long-lap penalty following a crash during Saturday’s sprint race, hindering his ability to challenge for a podium finish.
Fabio Di Giannantonio finished fourth, following up a strong qualifying performance with a solid race result. The Italian rider continues to demonstrate his potential as a frontrunner in the MotoGP class.
What’s Next for MotoGP?
The MotoGP World Championship now moves to Europe for the Spanish Grand Prix at Jerez on April 28th. This race will mark the beginning of a series of European races, offering teams and riders the opportunity to further develop their machines and strategies. Bezzecchi will undoubtedly be looking to continue his winning form, while Martín and Acosta will be eager to close the gap in the championship standings. Márquez will be aiming to bounce back from his struggles in Austin and regain his competitive edge.
The Spanish Grand Prix is expected to be a crucial race in the championship battle, with several riders looking to create a statement on home soil. Fans can expect another thrilling weekend of MotoGP action as the championship continues to unfold.
