MotoGP Austria preview – round 11 at the Red Bull Ring

Andrea Dovizioso remains third but with his lead over Valentino Rossi in fourth reduced to just one point. Along with his team mate Marquez the other big gain at the sharp end of the championship was made by Dani Pedrosa, who courtesy of his second place finish reduced the deficit to Rossi from 16 to 9 points. Pedrosa’s second place finish was his 150th career podium in Grand Prix, becoming only the third rider in history to achieve this after Giacomo Agostini and Valentino Rossi.

Rossi may have finished on the podium at 26 different circuits in the premier class, one short of the current record set by Mick Doohan but he is yet to achieve a podium at the Austrian circuit. The Italian did however achieve his first ever Grand Prix podium finish at the Austrian Circuit, then known as the A1-Ring in the 125cc class 21 years ago in 1996. The Red Bull ring is also the only circuit of the calendar where Pedrosa is yet to record a top three finish in the premier class.