MotoGP Preview: Czech Grand Prix

MotoGP goes racing at Brno | Credit: Pramac Press

As the championship leaders struggled and lost important points in Hungary, Marc Márquez returned to the top step of the podium. Is another rider preparing to join the title fight? Find out this weekend as MotoGP goes racing at Brno.

This is all you need to know before tuning in to the Czech Grand Prix.

This week’s track: Automotodrom Brno 

                      Automotodrom Brno | Credit: Automotodrom Brno

One of the longest circuits on the calendar at 5.402 km (3.357 miles), Automodrom Brno is situated in a rich forest on the outskirts of the city of the same name. Hidden amongst breathtaking views are 14 challenging corners that are sure to be the setting of some of the most exciting races.

The city has a vast motorcycle racing history that spans all the way from 1965. The official track was first built in 1987, and it represented a popular racing destination until 2020 when it was momentarily taken off the official calendar.

Automotodrom Brno made its official return to MotoGP last year and it’s already reclaiming its status as a fan-favourite race. From tight, technical sections to sweeping corners and long straights, the track is sure to pose a challenge even for the most experienced riders. 

Turn 3 (also called Omega) comes after a long straight and represents a prime example of a heavy braking spot that could become an advantage for the bravest of riders. Additionally, the large gravel traps that we have come to expect from European tracks will add another challenge this weekend.

Past results

The 2025 Czech Grand Prix podium | Credit: MotoGP

On its return after a five year absence from the calendar, Czechia did not disappoint when it came to thrilling moments. 

Francesco Bagnaia managed to qualify on pole, but he failed to convert this result  into a podium finish. Instead, it would be his teammate, Marc Márquez, who made history once again by becoming the first Ducati rider to claim five consecutive wins, finishing almost two seconds off of runner-up Marco Bezzecchi.

However, the current championship leader put on a great fight against Marc Márquez in Czechia. Could we see a repeat of this duel this weekend?

Jorge Martín made his racing return after a terrible start of the season where he suffered multiple injuries. Although he attempted another return in Qatar, this marked his first successful attempt as he was able to finish both races.

     Enea Bastianini celebrating his sprint podium at Brno in 2025 | Credit: MotoGP

The KTM team could’ve had one of their strongest results of the year in a Grand Prix, with Pedro Acosta and Enea Bastianini seeming set for their second double podium of the weekend, but the Italian unfortunately crashed on Lap 7. Still, Acosta claimed the last step of the podium.

Going further back in time, Cal Crutchlow, who will return this weekend to replace Àlex Márquez, has good memories at Brno. In 2016 he claimed an impressive win in extremely tricky conditions.

Key talking points

Fabio Di Giannantonio during the Hungarian sprint | Credit: MotoGP Press

The Hungarian Grand Prix proved devastating for the leading riders in the championship. While the standings at the top remain the same, Fabio Di Giannantonio, who was previously a serious threat to the Aprilia riders’ reign, left Balaton Park with zero points. 

Bezzecchi had a good start to his weekend after claiming another sprint podium, but a mistake made by his teammate, Martín, in the feature race caused him to crash out of the Grand Prix, together with Trackhouse rider Raúl Fernández.

Additionally, Martín received a double long-lap penalty for this week’s race due to causing the collision.

Marc Márquez after his win in the sprint race | Credit: MotoGP Press

Ducati finally capitalized on the mistakes made by Aprilia, with Marc Márquez winning both the sprint and the feature race, while Bagnaia managed a third-place finish on Sunday. 

Acosta came close to his first ever Grand Prix win once again after leading for most of the race, but he couldn’t hold the reigning world champion at bay. Will Czechia be the place where Acosta finally accomplishes this milestone? 

Márquez will make his much-awaited return this weekend, making the Czech Grand Prix his first race since Catalonia. Meanwhile, Johann Zarco will continue to be replaced by Crutchlow.

Brad Binder, Ai Ogura and Toprak Razgatlioglu during the Hungarian Grand Prix | Credit: Trackhouse Press Team

Will Bezzecchi hold on to the championship lead? Will Di Giannantonio turn his bad fortune from Hungary around? Or will another rider impress everyone?

Find out the answers to all these questions and more by following the Czech Grand Prix this Sunday, 21st of June, at 15:00 track time (13.00 GMT).

Edited by Rohan Brown