Austrian motorcycle Grand Prix
Austrian motorcycle Grand Prix
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Austrian motorcycle Grand Prix

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Austrian Grand Prix
Grand Prix motorcycle racing
VenueRed Bull Ring (1996–1997, 2016–present)
Salzburgring (1971–1979, 1981–1991, 1993–1994)
First race1971
Most wins (rider)Giacomo Agostini, Ángel Nieto (6)
Most wins (manufacturer)Honda (24)

The Austrian motorcycle Grand Prix is a motorcycling event that is part of the FIM Grand Prix motorcycle racing season from 1971 to 1997, and then again from 2016 onwards. The event is due to take place at the Red Bull Ring until at least 2025.[1]

History

[edit]

The inaugural Austrian grand prix was held in 1971 at the Salzburgring, where it stayed until 1994. In 1995, the Austrian GP was taken off the calendar because the Salzburgring was deemed too dangerous for racing.,[2] but would return in 1996 on the then-called Österreichring.[3][4] In 1997, the Österreichring became the A1-Ring, named after the Austrian mobile network operator A1.

For the 1998 season, the Austrian round was scrapped, mainly due to the low number of spectators who visited the races.[5]

After a 19-year absence, the Austrian Grand Prix returned in 2016 and currently takes place at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg.[6] The layout was changed, and a chicane was added before the 2022 race.

[edit]
  • The Salzburgring, used from 1971 to 1994.
    The Salzburgring, used from 1971 to 1994.
  • The Grand Prix layout of the A1/Red Bull Ring, used in 1996–1997, and 2016–2021.
    The Grand Prix layout of the A1/Red Bull Ring, used in 1996–1997, and 2016–2021.

Official names and sponsors

[edit]
  • 1971, 1986–1991: Großer Preis von Österreich (no official sponsor)[7]
  • 1972: Grosser Preis von Österreich (no official sponsor)[8]
  • 1973–1977: Austrian Grand Prix/Grosser Preis von Österreich (no official sponsor)[9]
  • 1978–1979, 1981–1985: Austrian Grand Prix/Großer Preis von Österreich (no official sponsor)[10]
  • 1993: Austrian Grand Prix (no official sponsor)[11]
  • 1994: Grand Prix Austria (no official sponsor)[12]
  • 1996: HB Motorrad Grand Prix Austria[13]
  • 1997, 2024: Motorrad Grand Prix von Österreich (no official sponsor)[14]
  • 2016–2017: NeroGiardini Motorrad Grand Prix von Österreich[15]
  • 2018: Eyetime Motorrad Grand Prix von Österreich
  • 2019–2020: myWorld Motorrad Grand Prix von Österreich
  • 2021: Bitci Motorrad Grand Prix von Österreich[16]
  • 2022–2023: CryptoData Motorrad Grand Prix von Österreich[17]
  • 2025: bwin Grand Prix of Austria

Winners

[edit]

Multiple winners (riders)

[edit]
# Wins Rider Wins
Category Years won
6 Italy Giacomo Agostini 500cc 1971, 1972, 1974
350cc 1971, 1972, 1974
Spain Ángel Nieto 125cc 1971, 1972, 1979, 1981, 1982, 1983
4 Spain Jorge Martínez 125cc 1988, 1990
80cc 1986, 1987
Italy Francesco Bagnaia MotoGP 2022, 2023, 2024
Moto2 2018
3 United States Kenny Roberts 500cc 1978, 1979, 1983
United States Eddie Lawson 500cc 1984, 1986, 1988
Italy Fausto Gresini 125cc 1985, 1987, 1991
United States Kevin Schwantz 500cc 1989, 1990, 1993
Australia Mick Doohan 500cc 1991, 1994, 1997
Italy Andrea Dovizioso MotoGP 2017, 2019, 2020
2 Finland Jarno Saarinen 500cc 1973
250cc 1973
Sweden Kent Andersson 125cc 1973, 1974
Japan Hideo Kanaya 500cc 1975
350cc 1975
Italy Eugenio Lazzarini 125cc 1977, 1978
South Africa Kork Ballington 350cc 1978, 1979
United States Freddie Spencer 500cc 1985
250cc 1985
Italy Luca Cadalora 250cc 1990
125cc 1986
Spain Joan Mir Moto3 2016, 2017
South Africa Brad Binder MotoGP 2021
Moto2 2019
Italy Mattia Casadei MotoE 2023 Race 1, 2023 Race 2
Italy Celestino Vietti Moto2 2023, 2024
Italy Matteo Ferrari MotoE 2025 Race 1, 2025 Race 2

Multiple winners (manufacturers)

[edit]
# Wins Manufacturer Wins
Category Years won
24 Japan Honda 500cc 1985, 1986, 1987, 1991, 1994, 1996, 1997
250cc 1985, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997
Moto3 2017, 2019
125cc 1989, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997
19 Japan Yamaha 500cc 1973, 1974, 1975, 1978, 1979, 1983, 1984, 1988
350cc 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1981
250cc 1973, 1984, 1986, 1990
125cc 1973, 1974
15 Italy Ducati MotoGP 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
MotoE 2023 Race 1, 2023 Race 2, 2024 Race 1, 2024 Race 2, 2025 Race 1, 2025 Race 2
9 Germany Kalex Moto2 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
7 Spain Derbi 250cc 1972
125cc 1971, 1972, 1988, 1990
80cc 1986, 1987
Japan Suzuki 500cc 1976, 1977, 1981, 1982, 1989, 1990, 1993
Austria KTM MotoGP 2021
Moto2 2019
Moto3 2016, 2018, 2020, 2023, 2025
5 Italy Garelli 125cc 1982, 1983, 1985, 1986, 1987
4 Italy MV Agusta 500cc 1971, 1972
350cc 1971, 1972
Italy Morbidelli 125cc 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978
2 Japan Kawasaki 350cc 1978, 1979
Italy Minarelli 125cc 1979, 1981

By year

[edit]

A pink background indicates an event that was not part of the Grand Prix motorcycle racing championship.

Year Track MotoE Moto3 Moto2 MotoGP Report
Race 1 Race 2
Rider Manufacturer Rider Manufacturer Rider Manufacturer Rider Manufacturer Rider Manufacturer
2025 Red Bull Ring Italy Matteo Ferrari Ducati Italy Matteo Ferrari Ducati Spain Ángel Piqueras KTM Brazil Diogo Moreira Kalex Spain Marc Márquez Ducati Report
2024 Spain Óscar Gutiérrez Ducati Spain Héctor Garzó Ducati Colombia David Alonso CFMoto Italy Celestino Vietti Kalex Italy Francesco Bagnaia Ducati Report
2023 Italy Mattia Casadei Ducati Italy Mattia Casadei Ducati Turkey Deniz Öncü KTM Italy Celestino Vietti Kalex Italy Francesco Bagnaia Ducati Report
2022 Brazil Eric Granado Energica Brazil Eric Granado Energica Japan Ayumu Sasaki Husqvarna Japan Ai Ogura Kalex Italy Francesco Bagnaia Ducati Report
2021 Germany Lukas Tulovic Energica — Spain Sergio García Gas Gas Spain Raúl Fernández Kalex South Africa Brad Binder KTM Report
2020 Cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns Spain Albert Arenas KTM Spain Jorge Martín Kalex Italy Andrea Dovizioso Ducati Report
2019 France Mike Di Meglio Energica Italy Romano Fenati Honda South Africa Brad Binder KTM Italy Andrea Dovizioso Ducati Report
Year Track Moto3 Moto2 MotoGP Report
Rider Manufacturer Rider Manufacturer Rider Manufacturer
2018 Red Bull Ring Italy Marco Bezzecchi KTM Italy Francesco Bagnaia Kalex Spain Jorge Lorenzo Ducati Report
2017 Spain Joan Mir Honda Italy Franco Morbidelli Kalex Italy Andrea Dovizioso Ducati Report
2016 Spain Joan Mir KTM France Johann Zarco Kalex Italy Andrea Iannone Ducati Report
Year Track 125cc 250cc 500cc Report
Rider Manufacturer Rider Manufacturer Rider Manufacturer
1997 A1-Ring Japan Noboru Ueda Honda France Olivier Jacque Honda Australia Mick Doohan Honda Report
1996 Italy Ivan Goi Honda Germany Ralf Waldmann Honda Spain Àlex Crivillé Honda Report
1994 Salzburgring Germany Dirk Raudies Honda Italy Loris Capirossi Honda Australia Mick Doohan Honda Report
1993 Japan Takeshi Tsujimura Honda Italy Doriano Romboni Honda United States Kevin Schwantz Suzuki Report
1991 Italy Fausto Gresini Honda Germany Helmut Bradl Honda Australia Mick Doohan Honda Report
1990 Spain Jorge Martínez Derbi Italy Luca Cadalora Yamaha United States Kevin Schwantz Suzuki Report
Year Track 80cc 125cc 250cc 500cc Report
Rider Manufacturer Rider Manufacturer Rider Manufacturer Rider Manufacturer
1989 Salzburgring Netherlands Hans Spaan Honda Spain Sito Pons Honda United States Kevin Schwantz Suzuki Report
1988 Spain Jorge Martínez Derbi Switzerland Jacques Cornu Honda United States Eddie Lawson Yamaha Report
1987 Spain Jorge Martínez Derbi Italy Fausto Gresini Garelli West Germany Anton Mang Honda Australia Wayne Gardner Honda Report
1986 Spain Jorge Martínez Derbi Italy Luca Cadalora Garelli Venezuela Carlos Lavado Yamaha United States Eddie Lawson Honda Report
1985 Italy Fausto Gresini Garelli United States Freddie Spencer Honda United States Freddie Spencer Honda Report
1984 Switzerland Stefan Dörflinger Zündapp France Christian Sarron Yamaha United States Eddie Lawson Yamaha Report
Year Track 50cc 125cc 250cc 500cc Report
Rider Manufacturer Rider Manufacturer Rider Manufacturer Rider Manufacturer
1983 Salzburgring Spain Ángel Nieto Garelli West Germany Manfred Herweh Real-Rotax United States Kenny Roberts Yamaha Report
Year Track 50cc 125cc 250cc 350cc 500cc Report
Rider Manufacturer Rider Manufacturer Rider Manufacturer Rider Manufacturer Rider Manufacturer
1982 Salzburgring Spain Ángel Nieto Garelli France Éric Saul Chevallier-Yamaha Italy Franco Uncini Suzuki Report
1981 Spain Ángel Nieto Minarelli France Patrick Fernandez Yamaha United States Randy Mamola Suzuki Report
1979 Spain Ángel Nieto Minarelli South Africa Kork Ballington Kawasaki United States Kenny Roberts Yamaha Report
1978 Italy Eugenio Lazzarini Morbidelli South Africa Kork Ballington Kawasaki United States Kenny Roberts Yamaha Report
1977 Italy Eugenio Lazzarini Morbidelli Race cancelled[N 1] Australia Jack Findlay Suzuki Report
1976 Italy Pier Paolo Bianchi Morbidelli Venezuela Johnny Cecotto Yamaha United Kingdom Barry Sheene Suzuki Report
1975 Italy Paolo Pileri Morbidelli Japan Hideo Kanaya Yamaha Japan Hideo Kanaya Yamaha Report
1974 Sweden Kent Andersson Yamaha Italy Giacomo Agostini Yamaha Italy Giacomo Agostini Yamaha Report
1973 Sweden Kent Andersson Yamaha Finland Jarno Saarinen Yamaha Hungary János Drapál Yamaha Finland Jarno Saarinen Yamaha Report
1972 Spain Ángel Nieto Derbi Sweden Börje Jansson Derbi Italy Giacomo Agostini MV Agusta Italy Giacomo Agostini MV Agusta Report
1971 Netherlands Jan de Vries Kreidler Spain Ángel Nieto Derbi Italy Silvio Grassetti MZ Italy Giacomo Agostini MV Agusta Italy Giacomo Agostini MV Agusta Report
Footnotes
  1. ^ The 1977 350cc race was cancelled after a crash that led to the death of Hans Stadelmann.[18]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Austrian motorcycle Grand Prix

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Austrian Motorcycle Grand Prix is an annual premier motorcycle racing event forming part of the FIM MotoGP World Championship, currently held at the Red Bull Ring circuit in Spielberg, Styria, Austria.[1] The race features the highest class of international road racing, contested on 1000cc prototypes over a 4.318 km track with 10 corners and an elevation change of 65 meters, known for its fast straights and undulating terrain that challenges riders' braking and cornering skills.[1] Since its revival in 2016, the event has drawn massive crowds, exceeding 200,000 spectators in its debut year at the modernized Red Bull Ring, and has become a highlight of the European summer racing calendar, typically scheduled in August.[2] The Grand Prix originated in 1971 at the Salzburgring, where Italian legend Giacomo Agostini secured victories in both the 350cc and 500cc classes on his MV Agusta machines, marking Austria's entry into the World Championship calendar.[3] It remained at the Salzburgring through 1994, hosting memorable races such as the 1993 showdown between Wayne Rainey, Kevin Schwantz, and Mick Doohan that intensified the 500cc title fight.[4] The event briefly shifted to the A1-Ring (predecessor to the Red Bull Ring) for 1996 and 1997, where Australian Mick Doohan dominated, winning both years and clinching his fourth consecutive 500cc world title in 1997 after a commanding 22-second victory.[4] Following an 18-year absence from 1998 to 2015, MotoGP returned to the renovated Red Bull Ring in 2016. Ducati riders have claimed most premier class wins since the revival—with the exception of Brad Binder's 2021 victory for KTM—including Andrea Iannone in 2016, Andrea Dovizioso in 2017 and 2019, Jorge Lorenzo in 2018, Andrea Dovizioso and Johann Zarco in 2020, Francesco Bagnaia in 2022 and 2023, Jorge Martín in 2024, and Marc Márquez in 2025 (marking the 1,000th premier class race).[5][6][7][8] Notable milestones include the double-header races in 2020 (Styrian and Austrian Grands Prix) and 2021 (also Styrian and Austrian) due to the COVID-19 pandemic, where South African Brad Binder achieved KTM's first home MotoGP victory in 2021, and the circuit's contract extension with MotoGP through 2030, ensuring its place as a staple venue.[2][9] The Red Bull Ring, originally opened as the Österreichring in 1969 and rebuilt multiple times, has evolved into a natural amphitheater offering panoramic views, with a top speed record of 316.5 km/h set by Álvaro Bautista in 2016.[5] Over its history, the Austrian Grand Prix has witnessed 30 editions by 2019, blending high-speed action with Austria's motorsport heritage and drawing over one million fans since the 2016 revival.[5]

Circuits

Salzburgring

The Salzburgring, situated in the Salzkammergut hills east of Salzburg, Austria, spans 4.24 kilometers and is renowned for its demanding layout featuring pronounced elevation changes of up to 60 meters, long fast straights along valley sides, and technical corners that test rider precision and bravery.[10] Key sections include the high-speed Ostschleife, a sweeping right-hander with limited run-off areas, and the challenging Schwalbe curve, which demands late braking amid the circuit's flowing, undulating design.[10] These characteristics made it a favorite for motorcycle racing, emphasizing outright speed and cornering stability while exposing riders to risks from its natural terrain constraints.[11] Construction of the Salzburgring began in 1968 and was completed the following year, positioning it as Austria's second permanent racing facility alongside the Österreichring.[10] The circuit's development was influenced by the advocacy of Jochen Rindt, the Austrian Formula One World Champion, who pushed for a dedicated venue to host international motorcycle events and elevate Austria's presence in Grand Prix racing.[12] It debuted with combined car and motorcycle races in September 1969 before securing the inaugural Austrian Motorcycle Grand Prix in 1971, marking the start of its role as the event's primary host.[13] The Salzburgring hosted the Austrian Grand Prix across 22 rounds from 1971 to 1979, 1981 to 1991, and 1993 to 1994, skipping 1980 due to severe snow that canceled the event.[14] The circuit's final Grand Prix in 1994 concluded its era as the venue, with Mick Doohan securing victory in the 500cc class under dry conditions.[3] Throughout its tenure, the track saw modifications to enhance safety, particularly after serious crashes in the 1980s that highlighted vulnerabilities in high-speed sections. A chicane was added at the final corner in 1976 to reduce speeds into the Fahrerlagerkurve, while a dedicated motorcycle chicane was installed at the Emco corner in 1986, slowing approaches and providing better control amid rising concerns over rider injuries.[10] These updates, informed by incidents like multi-rider pile-ups, contributed to gradual improvements in circuit standards before the event's relocation after 1994.[10]

Red Bull Ring

The Red Bull Ring is located in Spielberg, Styria, Austria, serving as the modern venue for the Austrian motorcycle Grand Prix since its revival in 2016. The circuit measures 4.348 km in length and features 11 turns, characterized by a high-speed layout that emphasizes long straights and sweeping corners, including the fast Hella Licht Kurve and the Rindt Kurve near the pits; a MotoGP-specific chicane was added at Turn 2 in 2022 to improve safety by reducing speeds into Turn 3.[1][15][3][16] Originally opened in 1969 as the Österreichring, the track underwent significant modifications in the mid-1990s, being shortened and rebuilt before being renamed the A1-Ring in 1997 to reflect sponsorship; it hosted the Austrian Grand Prix for motorcycles in 1996 and 1997 prior to a long hiatus. In 2004, the circuit was acquired by Red Bull co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz, leading to further redevelopment that reduced its length and modernized facilities, culminating in its rebranding as the Red Bull Ring in 2011. This ownership has deeply integrated Red Bull's branding into the venue, including event sponsorship and promotional elements that enhance the spectacle of MotoGP races.[17][18][3][19] Technically, the Red Bull Ring runs in a clockwise direction with a notable elevation change of 65 meters across the lap, contributing to its demanding nature for riders who must manage significant gradients, such as the uphill climb after Turn 3 and the downhill approach to Turn 7. The all-time MotoGP lap record at the circuit stands at 1:27.748, set by Jorge Martin on a Ducati during qualifying for the 2024 Austrian Grand Prix. These features, combined with the track's location amid the Styrian hills, make it a favorite for high-speed duels in the premier class, particularly in the final sector where overtaking opportunities abound.[1][20][21]

History

Inception and early years (1971–1994)

The Austrian Motorcycle Grand Prix was introduced in 1971 as part of the FIM Grand Prix World Championship's expansion into new European venues, spurred by the posthumous 1970 Formula 1 World Championship victory of Austrian driver Jochen Rindt, which heightened national interest in motorsport.[22] The event aimed to capitalize on Austria's growing racing infrastructure, including the newly developed Salzburgring circuit near Salzburg, designed partly in response to Rindt's legacy.[23] This addition integrated the race into the championship's European schedule, complementing established events while promoting multi-class competition from smaller displacements like 50cc and 125cc up to the premier 500cc category.[24] The inaugural race occurred on May 9, 1971, at the Salzburgring, where Italian rider Giacomo Agostini claimed victory in both the 350cc and 500cc classes aboard MV Agusta machines, establishing an immediate benchmark for dominance in the premier divisions.[3] Early editions emphasized the 350cc and 500cc classes, reflecting the era's focus on high-capacity two-strokes, but the event quickly expanded to showcase a broader spectrum of classes, drawing crowds that grew to around 100,000 spectators by the mid-1970s.[22] Key milestones included the 1975 race, where Japanese rider Hideo Kanaya secured the 500cc win on a Yamaha, highlighting the increasing international competition and technological advancements in Japanese manufacturers.[25] These years solidified the GP's role in the calendar, with consistent attendance underscoring its appeal amid Austria's burgeoning motorsport culture. Challenges emerged prominently in the 1980s, including the outright cancellation of the 1980 edition scheduled for April 27 due to heavy, unseasonable snowfall that blocked access roads, stranded teams, and made the 4.24 km Salzburgring circuit unraceable.[26] The following year, 1981, saw practice sessions delayed by similar wintry conditions, though the race proceeded with American Randy Mamola winning the 500cc class on a Suzuki, demonstrating the venue's vulnerability to alpine weather.[26] Broader issues encompassed safety concerns, such as inadequate run-off areas and outdated facilities at the Salzburgring, compounded by economic constraints in Austria's motorsport sector that limited upgrades and funding.[22] These factors strained the event's viability, leading to intermittent scheduling adjustments and a gradual shift toward prioritizing rider safety in line with evolving FIM regulations. The GP's early decades fostered a distinct cultural impact by elevating Austria's profile in international motorcycle racing, channeling national pride from Rindt's achievements into grassroots enthusiasm and local participation.[22] It inspired emerging Austrian talents, such as August Auinger, who competed in 125cc and 250cc classes during the 1980s, contributing to a sense of homegrown involvement despite the dominance of foreign stars. By 1994, after 22 editions at Salzburgring, the event had cemented its legacy as a cornerstone of European Grand Prix racing, though persistent infrastructural and financial hurdles prompted its hiatus following the final race won by Max Biaggi in the 250cc class.[22]

Hiatus and revival (2016–present)

Following the 1997 Austrian Grand Prix at the A1-Ring, the event was removed from the MotoGP calendar due to persistently low spectator attendance, which undermined its financial viability, compounded by the circuit's own economic challenges that led to its partial demolition and abandonment by 2004.[27][28] Earlier, the shift from the Salzburgring in 1995 stemmed from safety concerns, including inadequate infrastructure and insufficient runoff areas that posed risks to riders amid evolving FIM standards.[12] These venue issues, alongside a crowded international calendar prioritizing higher-profile races, contributed to an 18-year hiatus from 1998 to 2015, during which Austria lacked the necessary facilities and organizational support to host a world championship round.[3] The revival began with a 2014 agreement between Red Bull owner Dietrich Mateschitz and MotoGP rights holder Dorna Sports CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta, securing the Red Bull Ring—rebuilt and reopened in 2011—as the venue for the event's return.[29] The first post-hiatus Grand Prix occurred on August 14, 2016, marking MotoGP's re-entry to Austria after nearly two decades, with Ducati's Andrea Iannone claiming victory in the premier class ahead of teammate Andrea Dovizioso.[30] The full MotoGP lineup debuted in 2017, where Dovizioso again triumphed in a dramatic last-lap duel with Marc Márquez, underscoring the circuit's high-speed layout favoring Ducati machinery.[31] Red Bull's sponsorship played a pivotal role in funding the infrastructure upgrades and promotion that facilitated this resurgence.[32] Since 2016, the Austrian Grand Prix has been an annual fixture, adapting to challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when the event—held twice that year as the Austrian and Styrian Grands Prix—proceeded without spectators to comply with health restrictions, limiting access to essential personnel only.[33] By 2025, on August 17, Márquez secured his maiden win at the Red Bull Ring aboard the Ducati Desmosedici GP, extending the Italian manufacturer's dominance at the track where it has claimed multiple victories amid intense competition.[34] Looking ahead, a contract extension announced in 2024 ensures the event's place on the MotoGP calendar through 2030, reflecting sustained investment in the venue.[9] The revival has boosted the race's international draw, with early editions like 2016 attracting over 215,000 attendees and establishing it as a fan favorite for its alpine setting and thrilling on-track action.[32]

Event details

Official names and sponsors

The Austrian motorcycle Grand Prix originated in 1971 as the Großer Preis von Österreich, held without a title sponsor at the Salzburgring circuit.[23] Throughout the 1970s and into the 1980s, the event maintained this name or slight variations like the Austrian 500cc Grand Prix, with no official title sponsorship, though participating teams received significant backing from tobacco companies such as Marlboro, which supported Yamaha and Honda squads during races at the Österreichring.[35] These corporate partnerships elevated team budgets and professionalized the series but faced growing scrutiny amid emerging tobacco advertising restrictions in Europe during the late 1980s and 1990s.[36] The imposition of stricter EU tobacco sponsorship bans in the 1990s severely curtailed funding for Grand Prix events, exacerbating financial challenges that contributed to the Austrian round's discontinuation after 1997 and an 18-year hiatus.[36] Upon its revival in 2016 at the Red Bull Ring, the race returned under the name Motorrad Grand Prix von Österreich, bolstered by the circuit's owner, Red Bull, which invested in track renovations and event logistics to facilitate MotoGP's return.[37] From 2017 to 2018, it retained this designation without a title sponsor, emphasizing the venue's branding through Red Bull's ongoing involvement.[1] Title sponsorship resumed in 2019 with myWorld, an Austrian loyalty program company, renaming the event the myWorld Motorrad Grand Prix von Österreich through 2021 and enabling enhancements like expanded fan zones.[38] In 2022, Romanian blockchain firm CryptoDATA Tech assumed title rights for a three-year deal, rebranding it the CryptoDATA Motorrad Grand Prix von Österreich until 2024, which supported digital initiatives including app-based ticketing and virtual reality experiences for spectators.[39] For 2025, international betting operator bwin secured the sponsorship, officially titling the event the bwin Grand Prix of Austria and continuing the trend of corporate funding driving modern operational upgrades.[40]

Race formats and classes

The Austrian motorcycle Grand Prix, during its initial run from 1971 to 1994, featured classes aligned with the era's FIM Grand Prix standards, primarily focusing on the 500cc and 350cc categories for solo machines, alongside 250cc, 125cc, 50cc, and sidecar events.[41] The 350cc class was discontinued after the 1982 season, leaving the 500cc as the premier solo category through the event's hiatus, while sidecars remained contested until their removal from the world championship calendar in 1996.[42] These races emphasized two-stroke and early four-stroke technologies, with multiple heats per class to determine overall results.[43] Following the event's revival in 2016 at the Red Bull Ring, the Austrian Grand Prix adopted the modern MotoGP structure, contesting three classes: the premier MotoGP (1000cc four-stroke prototypes), Moto2 (765cc four-stroke intermediates), and Moto3 (250cc four-stroke lightweight machines).[41] This format has remained consistent since 2017, emphasizing technological parity and rider development across support categories. In 2023, the FIM introduced sprint races—a shorter, approximately half-distance format awarding reduced points (12 for first, down to 1 for ninth)—held on Saturdays across all classes to heighten weekend intensity without altering the traditional Grand Prix on Sundays.[44] The typical race weekend follows a three-day schedule: Friday dedicated to free practice sessions for setup and data gathering; Saturday encompassing further practice, qualifying (split into Q1 and Q2 for grid positions), and the sprint race since 2023; and Sunday hosting warm-up, rider parades, and the full-distance main races for each class, starting with Moto3, followed by Moto2, and concluding with MotoGP.[45] This structure maximizes track time while accommodating the circuit's demands. Specific to the Austrian event at the Red Bull Ring, situated at approximately 700 meters above sea level, teams adjust bike setups for thinner air, which affects engine performance due to lower oxygen density, necessitating tweaks to fuel mapping, aerodynamics, and cooling systems for optimal performance. The 2021 season featured a double-header experiment with the Styrian Grand Prix preceding the Austrian round the following weekend at the same venue, a COVID-19 adaptation that compressed logistics but tested team adaptability.[46] Weather variability, influenced by the circuit's alpine location, often leads to mixed wet-dry conditions, prompting flag-to-flag rules allowing mid-race bike swaps for tire changes or red flags for safety.[47] Under FIM regulations, adaptations like the concession system classify manufacturers into tiers based on prior performance, imposing restrictions on leading teams such as Ducati (in Rank A), including limited testing days, reduced tire allocations, and limited to 2 wildcards per season, which particularly challenges their dominance at high-profile events like the home Austrian round despite the track's suitability for their Desmosedici machines.[48]

Winners and records

Multiple winners (riders)

Several riders have secured multiple victories at the Austrian motorcycle Grand Prix since its inception in 1971, spanning various displacement classes from the smaller categories to the premier 500cc and modern MotoGP divisions.[1] Italian legend Giacomo Agostini dominated the early years with three wins in the 500cc class (1971, 1972, 1974) and three in the 350cc class (1971, 1972, 1974), showcasing MV Agusta's superiority on the Salzburgring circuit during an era of technological and rider excellence.[3] Similarly, Spanish rider Ángel Nieto achieved six triumphs in the 125cc class between 1971 and 1983, including victories in 1971, 1972, and 1979, which contributed to his record 13 world titles in smaller classes and highlighted his mastery in lightweight machinery.[49] American Kenny Roberts claimed three 500cc wins (1978, 1979, 1983), marking his breakthrough in Europe and helping establish U.S. riders as global contenders amid fierce battles with Yamaha and Suzuki rivals.[50] In the modern era at the Red Bull Ring, Italian Francesco Bagnaia leads with three consecutive MotoGP victories from 2022 to 2024, leveraging Ducati's straight-line speed advantage on the Spielberg layout.[51] Andrea Dovizioso also recorded three MotoGP wins (2017, 2019, 2020), capitalizing on Ducati's early dominance post-revival in 2016.[51] Spaniard Marc Márquez claimed his first MotoGP triumph at the Austrian Grand Prix in 2025, in a race marked by intense rivalry against Ducati-mounted competitors and extending his personal record at the circuit despite previous challenges on Honda machinery.[7] The following table summarizes key riders with three or more wins across all classes:
WinsRiderYears and Classes
6Giacomo Agostini1971, 1972, 1974 (350cc & 500cc)
6Ángel Nieto1971, 1972, 1979, 1981, 1982, 1983 (125cc)
3Kenny Roberts1978, 1979, 1983 (500cc)
3Francesco Bagnaia2018 (Moto2), 2022–2024 (MotoGP)
3Andrea Dovizioso2017, 2019, 2020 (MotoGP)
Agostini's early dominance reflected the Salzburgring's demanding layout favoring powerful multi-cylinder bikes, while modern multiple winners like Bagnaia and Dovizioso exemplify Ducati's aerodynamic and power innovations at the shorter Red Bull Ring, where Márquez's 2025 success amid manufacturer competition underscores shifting team dynamics in the hybrid MotoGP era.[1]

Multiple winners (manufacturers)

Yamaha holds the record for the most victories by a manufacturer at the Austrian Motorcycle Grand Prix, with nine wins primarily achieved during the two-stroke 500cc era through innovative engineering in their YZR500 models. These successes, spanning the 1970s and 1980s, were driven by riders like Jarno Saarinen, Giacomo Agostini, Hideo Kanaya, and Kenny Roberts, whose bikes excelled in the demanding Salzburgring layout due to superior power delivery and chassis stability.[43] Ducati matches Yamaha's tally with nine wins since the event's 2016 revival at the Red Bull Ring, capitalizing on the circuit's long straights where their Desmosedici GP prototypes demonstrate exceptional top speeds often exceeding 310 km/h. This dominance reflects Ducati's focus on aerodynamic efficiency and engine performance in modern 1000cc four-stroke prototypes, securing consecutive victories from 2016 to 2020 and again from 2022 to 2025, interrupted only by KTM's 2021 triumph.[43][52] Suzuki follows with seven wins, mostly in the 1970s and 1980s using their RG500 two-stroke machines, which provided agile handling suited to the Salzburgring's technical sections, as seen in victories by Barry Sheene, Randy Mamola, and Kevin Schwantz. Honda has six successes, highlighted by the NSR500's V4 engine prowess in the 1990s under Mick Doohan and Alex Crivillé, emphasizing reliability during the transition to more powerful prototypes.[43] The Austrian GP has witnessed a technological evolution from the two-stroke 500cc dominance of the 1971–2001 era, where raw power and rider skill defined outcomes, to the post-2002 four-stroke 1000cc prototype class that prioritizes electronics, aerodynamics, and tire management—evident in Ducati's recent streak adapting to the Red Bull Ring's high-speed demands.[43][53]
WinsManufacturerNotable models and years
9YamahaYZR500 (1973, 1974, 1975, 1978, 1979, 1983, 1984, 1986, 1988)
9DucatiDesmosedici GP (2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025)
7[SuzukiRG500](/page/Suzuki_RG500) (1976, 1977, 1981, 1982, 1989, 1990, 1993)
6[HondaNSR500](/page/Honda_NSR500) (1985, 1987, 1991, 1994, 1996, 1997)

Results by year

The Austrian Motorcycle Grand Prix results span from its debut in 1971 at the Salzburgring through a hiatus period to its revival at the Red Bull Ring in 2016, with the event featuring the premier class (initially 500cc, later MotoGP) alongside support classes that evolved from 125cc and 250cc to Moto3 and Moto2. The following table lists the winners in these classes for each edition, along with the circuit, pole position holder in the premier class where documented, and attendance figures when available from official records. No race was held in 1980 due to scheduling issues, 1992 and 1995 due to circuit concerns, and 1998–2015 during the hiatus. Double-header events occurred in 2020 and 2021, with the Styrian Grand Prix serving as a companion race at the same venue.[1][43]
YearCircuit125cc/Moto3 Winner250cc/Moto2 Winner500cc/MotoGP WinnerPole Position (Premier Class)Attendance
1971SalzburgringÁngel Nieto (Derbi)Silvio Grassetti (MZ)Giacomo Agostini (MV Agusta)UnknownUnknown
1972SalzburgringÁngel Nieto (Derbi)UnknownGiacomo Agostini (MV Agusta)UnknownUnknown
1973SalzburgringOtto Gröbner (Bultaco)Dieter Braun (Suzuki)Jarno Saarinen (Yamaha)UnknownUnknown
1974SalzburgringKent Andersson (Yamaha)Walter Villa (Yamaha)Giacomo Agostini (Yamaha)UnknownUnknown
1975SalzburgringUnknownOtto Schäfer (Yamaha)Hideo Kanaya (Yamaha)UnknownUnknown
1976SalzburgringPierluigi Albano (Yamaha)Walter Villa (Yamaha)Barry Sheene (Suzuki)UnknownUnknown
1977SalzburgringUnknownMario Lega (Yamaha)Jack Findlay (Suzuki)UnknownUnknown
1978SalzburgringUnknownKenny Roberts (Yamaha)Kenny Roberts (Yamaha)UnknownUnknown
1979SalzburgringGuy Bertin (Minarelli)UnknownKenny Roberts (Yamaha)UnknownUnknown
1981SalzburgringRicardo Tormo (Minarelli)Carlos Lavado (Yamaha)Randy Mamola (Suzuki)UnknownUnknown
1982SalzburgringUnknownCarlos Lavado (Yamaha)Franco Uncini (Suzuki)UnknownUnknown
1983SalzburgringUnknownCarlos Lavado (Yamaha)Kenny Roberts (Yamaha)UnknownUnknown
1984SalzburgringUnknownUnknownEddie Lawson (Yamaha)UnknownUnknown
1985SalzburgringUnknownFreddie Spencer (Honda)Freddie Spencer (Honda)UnknownUnknown
1986SalzburgringLuca Cadalora (Garelli)Carlos Lavado (Yamaha)Eddie Lawson (Yamaha)UnknownUnknown
1987SalzburgringFausto Gresini (Garelli)Anton Mang (Honda)Wayne Gardner (Honda)UnknownUnknown
1988SalzburgringUnknownJuan Garriga (Yamaha)Eddie Lawson (Yamaha)UnknownUnknown
1989SalzburgringManuel Herreros (Honda)Sito Pons (Honda)Kevin Schwantz (Suzuki)UnknownUnknown
1990SalzburgringManuel Herreros (Honda)John Kocinski (Yamaha)Kevin Schwantz (Suzuki)UnknownUnknown
1991SalzburgringUnknownLuca Cadalora (Yamaha)Mick Doohan (Honda)UnknownUnknown
1993SalzburgringUnknownTetsuya Harada (Yamaha)Kevin Schwantz (Suzuki)UnknownUnknown
1994SalzburgringNoboru Ueda (Honda)Max Biaggi (Aprilia)Mick Doohan (Honda)UnknownUnknown
1996Red Bull RingHaruchika Aoki (Honda)Max Biaggi (Aprilia)Àlex Crivillé (Honda)Mick Doohan (Honda)Unknown
1997Red Bull RingValentino Rossi (Aprilia)Max Biaggi (Aprilia)Mick Doohan (Honda)Mick Doohan (Honda)Unknown
2016Red Bull RingBrad Binder (KTM)Johann Zarco (Kalex)Andrea Iannone (Ducati)Marc Márquez (Honda)88,410
2017Red Bull RingJoan Mir (Honda)Franco Morbidelli (Kalex)Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati)Marc Márquez (Honda)95,238
2018Red Bull RingJorge Martín (Honda)Francesco Bagnaia (Kalex)Jorge Lorenzo (Ducati)Marc Márquez (Honda)99,007
2019Red Bull RingAron Canet (KTM)Enea Bastianini (Italtrans)Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati)Marc Márquez (Honda)95,984
2020Red Bull RingAi Ogura (KTM)Tetsuta Nagashima (Kalex)Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati)UnknownUnknown
2021Red Bull RingSergio García (GasGas)Raúl Fernández (Kalex)Brad Binder (KTM)Miguel Oliveira (KTM)80,000
2022Red Bull RingIzan Guevara (GasGas)Ai Ogura (Kalex)Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati)Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati)88,616
2023Red Bull RingJaume Masià (Honda)Tony Arbolino (Kalex)Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati)Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati)90,000
2024Red Bull RingDavid Alonso (CFMoto)Celestino Vietti (Kalex)Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati)Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati)92,000
2025Red Bull RingAngel Piqueras (Honda)Diogo Moreira (Kalex)Marc Márquez (Ducati)Marc Márquez (Ducati)Unknown
Key highlights include Giacomo Agostini's sweep of the 350cc and 500cc classes in 1971 at the inaugural event, marking a dominant start for MV Agusta.[41] In 1994, Mick Doohan achieved a triple crown by winning the 500cc race and contributing to Honda's successes in other classes before his career-altering injury. The 2016 revival emphasized Moto2 with Johann Zarco's victory, setting the tone for Ducati's strong presence in the premier class thereafter. In 2025, Marc Márquez secured the MotoGP win aboard a Ducati, while Francesco Bagnaia crashed out early, handing Márquez a crucial points haul.[54][7] Lap records have evolved with track configurations and technology: the Salzburgring era's 500cc record stood at approximately 1:24.000 set by Kevin Schwantz in 1993, while at the Red Bull Ring, the all-time MotoGP qualifying lap record is 1:27.748 set by Jorge Martín (Ducati) in 2024. Francesco Bagnaia set a 1:28.539 lap in 2023 qualifying.[55]

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