USA: A look back at the MotoGP ‘showrun’ at the Formula 1 event in Austin

Whilst last weekend’s final MotoGP race at Phillip Island fell victim to bad weather, the Formula 1 race went ahead as planned on Sunday on the other side of the world in the USA. It also marked a first: the premier class of the World Motorcycle Championship made its debut in the four-wheeled series.

In Austin on Saturday, Superbike World Champion Nicolo Bulega (Ducati) and test riders Dani Pedrosa (KTM), Andrea Dovizioso (Yamaha) and Lorenzo Savadori (Trackhouse Aprilia) donned their leather suits and completed laps on MotoGP bikes.

Nicolo Bulega und Nico Hülkenberg vor der Audi-Box

Foto: Ducati Corse

Liberty Media had organised this ‘show run’ to give Formula 1 fans at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) a closer look at MotoGP as part of a demonstration run. As part of this, the riders and teams were on hand in Texas for the entire race weekend.

At the event, Nicolo Bulega, amongst others, explained to Formula 1 ace Nico Hülkenberg in the Audi pit how a Ducati Desmosedici works. The German listened attentively to the MotoGP rider set to make his debut next year. Trackhouse boss Justin Marks also seized this opportunity to showcase his team to the home crowd.

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Ducati Corse und das Audi-F1-Team in Austin

Foto: Ducati Corse

Whether the promotional campaign was successful will become clear by the next Austin GP of the Motorcycle World Championship at the latest, which is due to take place at the end of April 2027. The showcase event represented a further step towards attracting new fans.

Justin Marks und Lorenzo Savadori

Foto: Trackhouse Racing