Our final stop in Europe before our flyway tour begins, and where better to head than the Red Bull Ring! The Austrian GP is ready for more action as MotoGP returns to Spielberg to write the next chapter. Before we head out on track, we think it’s the perfect time to dive into some of the fiercest battles, unforgettable overtakes and shocks that Spielberg has delivered over the years for FREE!
2016: Iannone ends Ducati's win drought
The 2016 Austrian Grand Prix marked the start of a new era for MotoGP in Austria, and what a debut it was! Andrea Iannone launched from pole, with the Italian eyeing Ducati’s first premier-class win since Casey Stoner in 2010. It was a perfect launch from the #29, who claimed the holeshot and an early lead. Iannone had to battle hard with teammate Andrea Dovizioso as Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo charged behind on the Yamahas. At the flag, Iannone claimed victory, holding off teammate Dovizioso as Lorenzo took P3!
2017: Marc Marquez vs Dovizioso
Where do we even begin? 2017 offered THE clash of two titans. Marc Marquez qualified in pole position, with title rival Dovizioso alongside. Marquez led before Lorenzo began his charge, briefly launching an attack for P1. It was only briefly a three-way scrap, with Lorenzo dropping behind Dani Pedrosa. With Lorenzo now back to P4, we were left with a grandstand finale as Marquez launched an iconic final corner dive bomb. The move proved unsuccessful as Dovizioso reigned supreme, winning by just 0.176s!
2019: Marc Marquez vs Dovizioso – The Rematch
Here we go again… Marc Marquez blasted from pole position once more, but the #93 was quickly challenged by Dovizioso, with Fabio Quartararo also getting involved. Things briefly settled down, with Quartararo dropping back to third before we witnessed Marquez vs Dovizioso once more. The last five laps remain engraved in every MotoGP fan’s head, with the penultimate lap proving to be a dress rehearsal of what was to come. Marquez led into the final corner, before Dovizioso launched one final attack … It WORKED, and the Italian was victorious by 0.213s!
2020: Styrian showdown
We know it’s not officially the Austrian GP, but we couldn’t ignore the 2020 Styrian GP, which featured a titanic fight. As the lights went out, Joan Mir stormed into the lead before a red flag was brought out following Maverick Viñales’ crash at Turn 1. Once the race restarted, a fierce three-way battle erupted at the front, with Pol Espargaro and Miguel Oliveira determined to end Ducati’s win streak at the circuit. The stage was set for fireworks in the final sector, with Jack Miller passing down the inside at the final corner, running himself and Espargaro wide, handing Oliveira his maiden MotoGP win in the process!
2021: Binder’s wet weather gamble
We don’t think 2021 needs any introduction! It’s one of the most unforgettable MotoGP finishes EVER, with drama as rain began to fall. Marc Marquez led in the early stages, proving to be strong with spits of rain in the air, before most of the field entered the pits at the end of Lap 25, swapping machines to head out on wet tyres. Brad Binder would stay out, continuing to master the conditions on slick tyres to the surprise of everyone. Binder miraculously kept his KTM on two wheels, winning the wet race on slicks ahead of Francesco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin!