What an incredible sight – the MotoGP fans are back in Spielberg! Over the weekend of the Michelin® Grand Prix of Styria 2021, a total of 45,060 spectators came to the Red Bull Ring to noisily cheer on the riders in the MotoGP series. The fans were definitely treated to some top racing action on the first race day. After the race was stopped, Jorge Martin (Ducati) saw off reigning champion Joan Mir (Suzuki) and world championship leader Fabio Quartararo (Yamaha) at the second attempt to take his first win in the elite motorcycle racing series!
The first highlight of the 2021 back-to-back Grands Prix has left us all looking forward to a grand finale at the Spielberg showdown next weekend.
Warm-up from the Flying Bulls and Austrian Armed Forces
The Flying Bulls started their air display at the 2021 double MotoGP at the Red Bull Ring with the impressive sound of a B25 Mitchell, P38 Lightning, P51 Mustang, F4U Corsair, an Alpha Jet and a Honda Jet Elite. While the Styrian regional anthem was performed by Andreas Gabalier, an Agusta Bell 212 helicopter of the Austrian Armed Forces flew an Austrian flag over the starting formation in Spielberg while a Alouette III flew a Styrian flag.
Fahnenflug | StyrianGP 2021 © Red Bull Content Pool
Thrilling race action at #StyrianGP 2021
An early stoppage to the race led to some heated scenes at Spielberg. KTM wildcard starter Dani Pedrosa slipped off his bike in the third turn and Lorenzo Savadori wasn’t able to get out of the way, leading to the Italian’s machine catching fire. He wasn’t able to restart the race due to injury. As the same starting grid lined up, Jorge Martin had a second chance from pole to see off Ducati team-mate Francesco Bagnaia and world championship leader Fabio Quartararo on the front row. The Red Bull Ring proved to be a charmed place for the MotoGP rookie. In his first season in the series, Jorge Martin took his first win with a superb performance at Spielberg from pole position. Brad Binder just missed out on the podium in Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s home race in fourth.
Emotional views after the race:
Jorge Martin (ESP/Ducati): “I can’t comprehend it at all. I was very focused and kept the pace up. My aim was definitely to win here. Joan didn’t make it easy for me. At the end I tried to brake even harder, right to the limit of the tyre, and it came off! It was an important step just to make it into MotoGP, and I have taken another big step with this win. I have to thank my entire family, and above all my grandfather, who I am dedicating the win to.”
Joan Mir (ESP/Suzuki): “It was really close today. We were very close over the entire weekend, and at the end we weren’t too far off. We need to find a bit more for next weekend to be right at the top. We put an important part onto the motorcycle today. I am very proud of the whole team.”
Fabio Quartararo (FRA/Yamaha): “A red flag is always difficult. It was difficult to overtake today. I was strong on the brakes and pounced at the right moment. A place on the podium was the most I could have asked for today, and I am super happy. The other two are deservedly there. Congratulations to Jorge Martin!”
Austrian success in Moto3 home race
The only Austrian competitor, Maximilian Kofler, had a sensational race in Moto3 with a thrilling catch-up job from the final starting position. The ninth-place finish was the best result in the career of the soon to be 21-year-old. Taking the win was Pedro Acosta (ESP) for Red Bull KTM Ajo. Victory in the Moto2 race was claimed by Marco Bezzecchi (ITA) for the Sky Racing Team VR46 of Valentino Rossi.
Maximilian Kofler | Styrian GP 2021 © Red Bull Content Pool
See Valentino Rossi for the last time in MotoGP action in Austria!
The eternal MotoGP legend that is Valentino Rossi aka VR46 will start a race in Austria for the very last time next weekend. Anyone who wants to see the Italian superstar race once more in the top series of motorcycle racing in person can still buy tickets for the Bitci Motorcycle Grand Prix of Austria 2021 from 13 to 15 August here!
Full motorsport schedule guaranteed for fans next weekend!
The second race weekend will start on Thursday 12 August with the Spielberg MotoGP Bike City, Pit Lane Tour and, for the fans at home, the Virtual Styrian Green Carpet, which gives them a chance to chat to the MotoGP stars live – including with Valentino Rossi, of course. You can register for this very special online date here.
