Watch Austrian Grand Prix - Practice — MotoGP Free.

What's at Stake

The Friday afternoon practice session at the Red Bull Ring is critical for securing a direct spot in Saturday's second qualifying segment (Q2). As the MotoGP championship battle intensifies in the latter half of the season, mastering Spielberg's unique stop-and-go layout is essential for riders looking to maximize their grid positions. With high-speed straights and heavy braking zones, finding the right setup early in the weekend can make or break a rider's title aspirations.

Form Guide

Heading into the Austrian Grand Prix, the battle at the front of the grid remains highly competitive, with Ducati traditionally dominating this power-sensitive circuit. Recent rounds have shown a tight contest between the factory Ducati riders and their satellite counterparts, while KTM looks to mount a strong home-turf challenge. Momentum is key at this stage of the season, and teams with strong braking stability and acceleration out of slow corners are carrying the most confidence into this weekend.

Key Players to Watch

• Francesco Bagnaia — The Italian has a formidable record at the Red Bull Ring and will look to leverage Ducati's straight-line speed to top the timesheets.
• Brad Binder — Representing KTM at their home race, the South African is known for his aggressive riding style and strong performances in Spielberg.
• Jorge Martín — A proven specialist in single-lap pace, the Spaniard is always a threat to secure the fastest time in Friday's crucial practice session.

Prediction

Ducati's historical dominance and superior engine power make them the clear favorites to lead the field in this session. Expect Francesco Bagnaia to edge out his rivals to top the Friday practice timesheets, closely followed by Jorge Martín. KTM will likely secure a top-five spot to keep the home crowd hopeful ahead of qualifying.