Watch MotoGP Austrian Grand Prix — Practice 2 Free.

What's at Stake

The afternoon Practice 2 session at the Red Bull Ring is one of the most critical hours of the weekend, as riders fight to finish in the top ten on the timesheets to secure automatic entry into Saturday's Q2 qualifying shootout. Missing the cut-off forces riders into the unpredictable Q1 session, severely compromising their starting grid positions for both the Sprint and the main Grand Prix. On this high-speed, stop-and-go Austrian circuit, track position is vital, making a flawless setup and a blistering flying lap absolutely essential.

Form Guide

Heading into Spielberg, the battle at the front of the MotoGP grid remains incredibly tight, with Ducati machinery traditionally dominating this power-sensitive Austrian venue. Recent rounds have shown a fierce rivalry at the top of the standings, with the factory contenders and leading satellite riders trading victories and podium finishes. Teams with strong straight-line speed and superior braking stability carry immense momentum into this session, while rivals look to exploit the technical chicane and tight corners to close the gap.

Key Players to Watch

• Francesco Bagnaia — The Italian has historically excelled at the Red Bull Ring, utilizing his late-braking strength and the Ducati's immense acceleration to set the benchmark.
• Jorge Martin — Known for his explosive single-lap pace, the Spaniard is always a favorite to top Friday afternoon's crucial timed runs.
• Brad Binder — The KTM rider enjoys strong home-support at the manufacturer's home track, where his aggressive riding style matches the heavy braking zones perfectly.

Prediction

Ducati's sheer horsepower and braking stability will likely see them dominate the upper echelons of the timesheets in this session. Expect Francesco Bagnaia to secure the fastest lap of the afternoon, narrowly edging out Jorge Martin as both riders comfortably secure their spots in Q2. The final minutes of the session will see a frantic scramble, with KTM and Aprilia riders filling out the remaining direct-entry positions in a highly competitive top ten.