MotoGP Returns to Austin TX
In less than 2 months time, MotoGP returns to the Circuit Of The Americas track for the second annual Austin MotoGP. This year’s race should be an exciting one, especially as there are a lot of unique factors that will come in to play for the 2014 season.
- Reigning champion Marc Marquez fractured his right fibula during pre-season training, and it is expected that he will miss most of his pre-season testing on the Repsol Honda.
- Former world champion Jorge Lorenzo has been having some issues during pre-season testing and his lap times have been down from the leaders. New engine rules also come in to effect for the 2014 season and these may force some of the manufacturers to play it safe by limiting maximum horsepower.
- Multi-time world Champion Valentino Rossi has pulled of some really fast lap times during pre-season testing. Rossi is in the last year of his contract with Yamaha Factory Racing, and the first half of 2014 could be an indicator of whether he continues to compete, or contemplates retirement. There is no doubt about his desire to win another championship.
- Last year’s surprise of the season was Yamaha’s Cal Crutchlow, who will be riding a Ducati for 2014. While Cal looked a little bit past the ragged edge on some of the tracks during 2013, he also made his mark and earned the respect of the fans.
The grid will also be filled with many other favorites, including Dani Pedrosa, Nicky Hayden, and Texas’ own Colin Edwards.
Practice starts on Friday, April 11th and the racing starts on Sunday, April 13th. For more information about the track and to purchase tickets click here.
For an incredible 360 degree view of the track from the circuit tower, take the VPiX 360 Virtual Tour of COTA.
