A short drive from the Sachsenring and the Red Bull KTM Tech3 squad is already gearing up for a new race week, the last one before a much-deserved summer break. For the first time since 2020, MotoGP™ is set to return to the iconic Automotodrom Brno for the Tissot Grand Prix of Czechia. After missing out on the Grand Prix of Germany following an illness which forced him to sit out from round 11, we are extremely happy that Enea Bastianini will join our ranks again this week. Alongside him, the Red Bull KTM Tech3 team wishes the warmest welcome (back) to Red Bull KTM Factory test rider, Pol Espargaro, who will replace injured Maverick Viñales. The Spaniard had a successful surgery on Sunday in Italy following his Q2 crash in Germany that left him with a fractured left-shoulder, and he will now need a bit of time to recover. The team wishes Maverick a speedy recovery!
Grand Prix of Czechia
Enea Bastianini will be traveling to Czechia this week as the worst from his stay in hospital last week seems to be behind. The Italian missed out on the action of the German Grand Prix to focus on a prompt recovery. After he left the hospital last weekend, Enea has been back training to arrive in Brno with the best fitness possible. It is expected that ‘Bestia’ will return on track on Friday on his RC16 to take things back where he left them in Assen, as he makes his MotoGP™ debuts in Brno. With Maverick Viñales forced to sit out of the Czech Grand Prix as he recovers from his left shoulder injury, the team welcomes Pol Espargaro who will step in for the Red Bull KTM Tech3 squad this weekend. It will be a homecoming for the Spaniard, who made his MotoGP™ debuts with the Tech3 squad in 2014, and later on spent the 2023 season with us under our red GASGAS colours. The Spaniard knows the layout very well, and P8 in 2015 is his best result in Czechia. KTM is the last winner to date in Brno with Brad Binder bringing the victory to the orange squad back in 2020, so the 5.4 km track, renowned for its challenging layout, featuring 14 corners, including six left-handers and eight right-handers, is one that has often suited the KTM. Let’s figure out what 2025 has in store for us!
You do not want to miss out on the return of MotoGP™ in Czechia, before we leave motorcycle racing fans without their favorite sport during the three weeks of summer break. The action at Brno will commence for our brand new duo Enea Bastianini-Pol Espargaro on Friday morning with Free Practice 1 at 10:45 local time (UTC+2), followed in the afternoon by Practice at 15:00. The first ever Super Saturday in Brno will take place on Saturday with FP2 kicking the day at 10:10, followed shortly by the qualifying sessions. The MotoGP™ class will then line up at 15:00 for the first Tissot Sprint in Czechia, of 10 laps. Finally, don’t miss the last race of July with the main event at 14:00 local time (UTC+2), on Sunday for 21 laps!
ENEA BASTIANINI: "I feel much better! It was really tough for me to remain in bed for so long and unable to join the team at the German Grand Prix, but I gave myself the time to recover properly in order to arrive in Brno in good shape. I am excited to reunite with the team and get back to work! It will be the first time for me on a MotoGP bike in Brno, and for many of us to be fair. It is going to be interesting to see how we manage the weekend!"
POL ESPARGARO: "Obviously, it’s never a good thing to take part in a GP because you have to replace an injured rider. So, first of all, I want to wish a speedy recovery to Maverick. I will try to do my best this weekend, also trying to help as much as possible my teammates and the technicians. It’s been a long time since our last visit to Brno, which is a fantastic track. The last time we raced here I felt super-good in my best period with KTM so let’s see how it is with the new surface. I don’t have any expectations apart from enjoying the weekend and having some useful days for our project."
NICOLAS GOYON, Team Manager: "The last race of the first half of the season will be held at the Brno circuit, as MotoGP returns to Czechia for the first time since 2020. This event used to be one of the busiest rounds of the year, so we are expecting many supporters this weekend. It will have a special taste for the KTM squad as our bike is the last winner in Brno, with Brad Binder taking the win in 2020. Enea Bastianini was released from hospital last weekend, and he is now fully focused on getting back to full shape for this weekend. We will of course have to understand his physical condition, and if all the lights are green, he will carry on the job initiated in Mugello and Assen. Maverick Viñales will miss the Czech GP as we announced it earlier this week. In order to keep things moving forward for the KTM project, it has been decided with the factory that Pol Espargaro will replace him this week. An old friend returns to our garage, we have known Pol for many years, from his MotoGP debuts to his last full season in 2023, so we are glad to welcome him back. Let’s see where Pol is able to place his KTM on the brand new tarmac of Brno."
ABOUT THE TRACK
The Automotodrom Brno lies just outside of the city of Brno in Czechia, and is one of the most iconic circuits on the calendar. The city has long been a hub for motorcycle racing, having held over 50 Grand Prix since first hosting MotoGP™ in 1965. Initially, events were held on a street circuit before the permanent Automotodrom Brno opened in 1987.
The 5.4 km track is renowned for its challenging layout, featuring 14 corners, including six left-handers and eight right-handers. With a mix of technical and flowing sections, combined with constant elevation changes, it pushes both rider skill and machine to the limit, making it a favourite among fans and riders alike.
2025 marks a new era for Brno, with MotoGP™ returning to the circuit for the first time since 2020. Stunning viewpoints and a breathtaking backdrop create an unforgettable atmosphere, making it a must-visit destination.
TRACK RECORDS
All Time Record: 2016 - M. Marquez (SPA) - 1'54.596 - 169.7 km/h
Best Race Lap: 2014 - D. Pedrosa (SPA) - 1'56.027 - 167.6 km/h
Best Pole: 2016 - M. Marquez (SPA) - 1'54.596 - 169.7 km/h
Top Speed: 2016 - A. Doviziozo (ITA) - 316.7 km/h
