The USA Grand Prix has provided some of the most exciting and dramatic moments that we have witnessed in recent years. From thrilling comebacks to unforgettable battles, the Circuit of the Americas never fails to deliver a surprise. Since MotoGP™'s first visit to COTA in 2013, the venue has featured some of the most remarkable races in modern motorcycle racing history. Dive into the best moments from the USA GP below!
2013: The first of many for the #93
After securing pole position in qualifying, MotoGP rookie Marc Marquez was in search of his first victory in the premier class. As the Grand Prix got underway, the #93 soon engaged in an intense battle with teammate Dani Pedrosa. It would be a breathtaking fight, with Marc Marquez stretching his advantage to 1.534s at the end of the Grand Prix, becoming the youngest rider to win in the premier class at the age of 20 years and 63 days.
Relive the premier class race at the 2013 Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas at the Circuit of the Americas
2019: Rins dethrones the COTA king
Then in 2019, there was a new sheriff in town, with Marc Marquez’s six-year win streak coming to an end after Alex Rins took victory. It was a Grand Prix filled with drama throughout, with the #93 crashing with 11 laps remaining - promoting Valentino Rossi into P1. Rossi and Rins would duel in the closing laps, with the #42 reigning supreme and becoming the new king of COTA.
Lights out! It's the third round of the 2019 season! Join Matt Birt, Steve Day and Simon Crafar from the Circuit of the Americas
2021: Marquez reclaims his crown
After his crash in 2019, Marc Marquez would need to wait until 2021 to have another opportunity to claim victory at COTA. It was an unbelievable ride from the #93, with all eyes soon turning to the battle for the podium. In the closing laps, Jorge Martin would be handed a Long Lap after a shortcut at Turn 4-5, promoting Francesco Bagnaia into P3 and allowing Marc Marquez to win.
It's main event time at the Circuit Of The Americas as the lights go out in Round 15 of the MotoGP™ World Championship
2022: The Beast wins as Marquez recovers to P6
As the lights went out in 2022, Marc Marquez struggled to launch his machine off the line – dropping down to last. It was the beginning of an incredible ride, with the Spaniard working hard and battling through the field to claim P6 at the flag. Meanwhile, Enea Bastianini would chip away at the leaders, claiming P2 on Lap 10 before a key overtake on Jack Miller to charge to victory.
It's main event time at COTA as the lights go out in Round 4 of the 2022 MotoGP™ World Championship
2024: Comeback complete for Viñales
It was a tough start to the 2024 USA GP for Maverick Viñales, who dropped outside the top 10 on the exit of Turn 1. The polesitter was left with a lot of work to do as MotoGP rookie Pedro Acosta took the lead on the opening lap. The #12 charged through the field, first inside the top 10 before entering the podium places on Lap 10. It was a heroic ride from Viñales, who celebrated on the podium with a superhero mask – earning him the name ‘BatMav’. Make sure you relive the excitement of this Grand Prix using the MotoGP VideoPass!
WATCH: 2024 Red Bull Grand Prix of The Americas
2015 Bonus: The #93’s race against the clock
It is not just memorable races at COTA, with one of the most iconic moments arriving in the closing moments of Q2. Marc Marquez suffered a technical issue on the main straight, retiring his bike to the pit wall. With less than four minutes remaining, the #93 sprinted down the pitlane to swap to his second bike. Andrea Dovizioso was on the provisional pole position as Marquez pushed to the limit on his final flying lap, leaping to the pole by 0.339s in an unforgettable moment.
Relive the manic dash for pole at COTA in 2015 as Marquez suffered a bike problem, sprinted down pitlane - and made it back out
With Marc Marquez continuing his perfect start to his season, what will COTA deliver next as we await to see what will be the next historic moment at the Circuit of the Americas? Make sure you tune in this weekend to find out!
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COTA has delivered legendary MotoGP moments since 2013, from Marquez's rookie win to dramatic comebacks.
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These races showcase why COTA is considered one of the most exciting venues on the MotoGP calendar.
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Marquez holds the COTA wins record with six victories between 2013-2018 before others broke his streak.
