News Summary
- MotoGP will make its first on-track appearance during a Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend at Circuit of The Americas on Saturday, October 24.
- Dani Pedrosa, Nicolò Bulega, Andrea Dovizioso and Lorenzo Savadori will ride motorcycles representing KTM, Ducati, Yamaha and Aprilia, respectively.
- The 20-minute demonstration starts at 11:40 local time in Austin, ahead of Formula 1’s third free-practice session, with more than 400,000 spectators expected across the weekend.
MotoGP will make its first on-track appearance during a Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend at the United States Grand Prix in Austin, bringing four premier-class motorcycles and a line-up featuring Dani Pedrosa, Nicolò Bulega, Andrea Dovizioso and Lorenzo Savadori to Circuit of The Americas on Saturday, October 24.
The demonstration will take place between 11:40 and 12:00 local time, shortly before Formula 1’s final free-practice session. The four riders will complete high-speed laps of the Texas circuit, offering spectators an opportunity to experience MotoGP machinery capable of exceeding 360km/h and producing more than 130 decibels of noise.
The announcement, made on Tuesday, October 20, marks an important development in the relationship between the two championships following Liberty Media’s acquisition of MotoGP. The American company already controls Formula 1’s commercial rights and is seeking opportunities to introduce motorcycle racing to audiences more familiar with four-wheel motorsport.
The initiative comes during a weekend when MotoGP will be competing thousands of kilometres away at Phillip Island in Australia, preventing the championship’s current full-time riders from participating in the Austin demonstration.
Pedrosa, Bulega, Dovizioso and Savadori bring MotoGP to F1
The four-rider line-up combines Grand Prix experience, factory testing expertise and one of motorcycle racing’s most successful recent Superbike competitors.
Dani Pedrosa will represent KTM, returning to a circuit where he previously competed during his MotoGP career. The Spaniard won 31 premier-class Grands Prix before retiring from full-time competition at the end of 2018 and becoming a test rider for the Austrian manufacturer.
Pedrosa also won three world championships in the smaller Grand Prix categories and remains closely involved in developing KTM’s MotoGP machinery.
Nicolò Bulega will ride Ducati machinery, shortly after completing his World Superbike career and preparing to move into MotoGP with Valentino Rossi’s VR46 team in 2027.
Bulega finished his WorldSBK career with 52 victories, equalling Troy Bayliss’ total, and has already gained MotoGP experience through Ducati’s testing programme.
His move to VR46 was confirmed as part of the championship’s major rider-market changes for the new 850cc era.
The Italian’s 52nd WorldSBK victory matched the achievement of his childhood idol Troy Bayliss, giving his Austin appearance additional significance before his return to Grand Prix racing.
Andrea Dovizioso will represent Yamaha, continuing his work with the Japanese manufacturer after a distinguished MotoGP career that included 15 premier-class victories and three consecutive championship runner-up finishes between 2017 and 2019.
The Italian retired from full-time competition in 2022 but returned to the paddock as a Yamaha test rider, contributing to the development of the manufacturer’s motorcycle.
Lorenzo Savadori completes the group aboard Aprilia machinery, representing the Trackhouse Racing operation. The Italian is an important member of Aprilia’s development programme and has also made substitute race appearances when required.
Together, the four riders will provide spectators with an opportunity to see motorcycles from four different manufacturers operating on the same circuit during an F1 event.
Pedrosa says MotoGP’s speed must be experienced in person
Pedrosa welcomed the opportunity to introduce MotoGP to a Formula 1 audience, emphasising the distinctive characteristics of the motorcycles.
“It’s always special to ride a MotoGP bike at COTA, one of the most iconic circuits in the world,” the Spaniard said in the official announcement.
He highlighted the importance of the United States Grand Prix as an international sporting event and its potential to introduce motorcycle racing to new supporters.
“The United States Grand Prix is a truly unique and special event on the F1 calendar, attracting an incredible crowd and providing a great opportunity to give fans a taste of what makes MotoGP so exciting.”
Pedrosa also emphasised the sensory experience of watching the motorcycles from trackside.
“The speed, the sound and the performance of these bikes is something you have to experience in person, and I’m looking forward to sharing that with everyone in Austin.”
The demonstration is not intended to be a competitive race or a timed comparison with Formula 1 cars.
Instead, the riders will complete laps at speed, allowing spectators to observe the acceleration, braking and cornering characteristics of MotoGP prototypes.
The motorcycles are capable of leaning at angles exceeding 60 degrees, producing a distinctive visual contrast with Formula 1 cars, which rely on aerodynamic downforce and four-wheel mechanical grip.
Bulega prepares MotoGP debut with Rossi’s VR46 team
For Bulega, the appearance represents another step towards his full-time return to Grand Prix motorcycle racing.
The Italian has established himself as one of the most successful WorldSBK riders of recent seasons, winning the championship and becoming a central part of Ducati’s racing programme.
His promotion to MotoGP in 2027 will place him alongside experienced riders competing under the championship’s new technical regulations.
Bulega described the Austin demonstration as an opportunity to introduce the sport to an exceptionally large audience.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to put MotoGP in front of one of the biggest crowds in world motorsport,” he said.
The Italian also highlighted the atmosphere at Circuit of The Americas and the significance of returning to the venue next year as a full-time MotoGP competitor.
“The atmosphere at COTA is always incredible, and to ride a MotoGP bike in front of so many fans will be a special experience.”
Bulega hopes the demonstration will encourage spectators to follow the motorcycle championship more closely.
“MotoGP bikes are unlike anything else, and hopefully the laps will show just how spectacular our sport is,” he added.
“We’re looking forward to putting on a great show and giving fans a glimpse of what they can expect when I return with MotoGP to Austin in 2027.”
The American round of the 2027 MotoGP championship is scheduled for April 23–25, providing a direct connection between this weekend’s promotional event and the series’ return to Texas next season.
Liberty Media brings F1 and MotoGP together for first time
The Austin demonstration marks the first time MotoGP machinery will participate in an official Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend programme.
The event follows Liberty Media’s acquisition of MotoGP, creating opportunities for the two championships to collaborate on promotion, marketing and audience development.
Formula 1 has experienced substantial commercial growth in the United States, with races in Austin, Miami and Las Vegas helping expand the championship’s visibility.
MotoGP already races at Circuit of The Americas, but the motorcycle championship has a smaller commercial presence in the American market.
Bringing its motorcycles to an F1 event offers an opportunity to reach spectators who may not regularly follow MotoGP.
More than 400,000 fans are expected to attend the United States Grand Prix across the weekend, providing a substantial audience for the demonstration and associated activities.
The initiative also takes advantage of the fact that Austin is already designed to accommodate both categories.
Circuit of The Americas has hosted Formula 1 since 2012 and MotoGP since 2013, with the exception of interruptions to the respective calendars.
The circuit’s combination of long straights, high-speed changes of direction and slower corners provides a demanding environment for both motorcycles and Formula 1 cars.
The organisers will also establish a dedicated MotoGP area in the Fan Zone, where spectators can see the four motorcycles and participate in activities related to the championship.
MotoGP personnel and participating riders will be present during the weekend, supporting the promotional programme from Thursday through Sunday.
What time will MotoGP bikes run at the F1 United States GP?
The demonstration is scheduled for Saturday, October 24, from 11:40 to 12:00 local time in Austin, before Formula 1’s third practice session.
| Country / City | Date | Demonstration begins |
|---|---|---|
| United States — Austin (CDT) | Sat, Oct 24 | 11:40 |
| United States — New York (EDT) | Sat, Oct 24 | 12:40 |
| United States — Los Angeles (PDT) | Sat, Oct 24 | 09:40 |
| Canada — Toronto (EDT) | Sat, Oct 24 | 12:40 |
| United Kingdom — London (BST) | Sat, Oct 24 | 17:40 |
| Brazil — Brasília (BRT) | Sat, Oct 24 | 13:40 |
| India — New Delhi (IST) | Sat, Oct 24 | 22:10 |
| Singapore (SGT) | Sun, Oct 25 | 00:40 |
| Malaysia — Kuala Lumpur (MYT) | Sun, Oct 25 | 00:40 |
| Australia — Perth (AWST) | Sun, Oct 25 | 00:40 |
| Australia — Sydney / Melbourne (AEDT) | Sun, Oct 25 | 03:40 |
| New Zealand — Auckland (NZDT) | Sun, Oct 25 | 05:40 |
Times refer to the beginning of the 20-minute demonstration. A dedicated live television or streaming broadcast of the showcase has not been confirmed.
Formula 1’s third free-practice session is scheduled to begin at 12:30 local time, approximately 30 minutes after the motorcycle demonstration ends.
The complete Austin weekend schedule and international practice times explain when the Formula 1 cars will be on track.
Saturday’s F1 qualifying session begins at 16:00 local time, with the Grand Prix scheduled for Sunday afternoon.
MotoGP races at Phillip Island while motorcycles appear in Austin
The demonstration will take place while the MotoGP World Championship is competing at Phillip Island in Australia.
The event marks the championship’s final Australian Grand Prix at the circuit before the race moves to Adelaide in 2027.
Jorge Martín enters the weekend leading Marc Márquez by two points in the Riders’ Championship, while Marco Bezzecchi remains mathematically involved.
The Australian Grand Prix weekend includes Friday practice, Saturday qualifying and sprint, and Sunday’s main race.
The final Phillip Island MotoGP will start at 14:00 local time on Sunday, equivalent to 03:00 GMT in the United Kingdom and 08:30 IST in India.
The championship will also stage farewell celebrations involving Casey Stoner, Mick Doohan and Wayne Gardner.
The three Australian world champions will reunite for a ceremonial lap at Phillip Island, marking the end of an important chapter in the circuit’s history.
