The Circuit of the Americas set the stage for Round 4 of the 2022 Championship with the Austin destination one of the most popular on the calendar. The Texas circuit has become a famed hunting ground for Marc Marquez over the years, and the Repsol Honda rider was very much fancied once again despite it being his first race since returning from injury.
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REWIND: CHAPTER 4 - 500GPS: MAKING HISTORY
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UNSEEN: COTA COWBOYS COUNT THE PHYSICAL COST OF THE RODEO
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MUST WATCH: MARQUEZ' ROLLERCOASTER RIDE ON THE RODEO
However, a fairytale return wouldn’t come to fruition for the eight-time World Champion, with technical issues on the starting grid seeing him drop from sixth on the grid to the back of the pack. His day was far from done mind, with Marquez showing everybody why he has been so successful at COTA through the years by scything his way through the field in an incredible comeback that saw him salvage a top six finish.
With Marquez out of the picture, it was time for a new King of COTA to be crowned. Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team) led the race for a large portion, but just as he did on the opening night in Qatar, Enea Bastianini (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) charged hard late on to take his second win of the year.
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WHAT HAPPENED TO MARC MARQUEZ AT LIGHTS OUT?
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FREE: THE FINAL LAP FROM A THRILLING AMERICAS GRAND PRIX
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"IT'S POSSIBLE" - BASTIANINI'S TITLE DREAM TAKES FLIGHT
For Miller, his troubles weren’t over yet, with Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) pipping him on the last lap to P2 and sealing consecutive podium finishes for the Suzuki rider. The Spaniard’s podium also marked a 500th top three result for the Hamamatsu factory in all classes during an event that also celebrated the 500th GP from the Racing Together era, when Dorna Sports, IRTA, MSMA and FIM first collaborated.