MotoGP Grand Prix of Americas 2015: Race Schedule, Live Stream and Top Riders

After a thrilling start to the season in Qatar, the MotoGP Grand Prix of Americas will be the stage for the second leg of what’s set to be an encapsulating campaign.

Valentino Rossi seized victory on his Yamaha last time out after a gripping battle with Andre Dovizioso, giving the nine-time world champion the best possible start to 2015. But the Circuit of the Americas has typically been a haven for Honda—they’ve been 1-2 in the previous three years here—having endured a difficult opening race in Qatar.

With the first race of the season yielding more questions than answers, let's take a closer look at which riders are poised to make an impression in Austin and the full grand prix schedule.

Event	Time (BST)	Date
Free Practice 1	3:55 p.m. - 4:40 p.m.	Friday, April 10
Free Practice 2	8:05 p.m. - 8:50 p.m.	Friday, April 10
Free Practice 3	3:55 p.m. - 4:40 p.m.	Saturday, April 11
Free Practice 4	7:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.	Saturday, April 11
Qualifying	8:10 p.m.	Saturday, April 11
Race	8 p.m.	Sunday, April 12

Live Stream: BT Sport App (UK), ITV Player (UK), Fox Sports Go (US)

Marc Marquez

Mirco Lazzari gp/Getty Images

While the reigning world champion’s defence got off to the worst possible start after he ran wide on Turn 1 on the opening lap of the season, there were some hugely encouraging signs for the Spaniard.

Indeed, he was down in last place after his error in the early stages of the race, but he was superb in the laps that followed, fighting back through the field and eventually finishing up in fifth position. It was an emphatic indicator that Marquez remains the man to beat again this year.

As noted by the official MotoGP Twitter feed, he showcased some serious speed during the race:

Given Honda’s hegemony here over the past few years, Marquez couldn’t have asked for a better circuit to enable him to bounce back from Week 1 disappointment. After winning here last year from team-mate Dani Pedrosa, memories of glory will be fresh and the 22-year-old should have enough quality to notch his first triumph of the season.

Valentino Rossi

Mirco Lazzari gp/Getty Images

During his remarkable scrap with Dovizioso, the iconic Italian had to tap into every ounce of his incomparable experience. Eventually, his class showed too, as he reeled in the resurgent Ducati rider and grasped some vital early momentum.

Rossi has enjoyed some unforgettable triumphs down the years, but in the immediate aftermath of the race, he claimed that the win in Qatar was his best ever display in MotoGP:

The challenge for Rossi and Yamaha will be backing up that unexpected victory in Week 1 with another strong performance in Austin.

As noted, it’s been tough for teams to get the better of Honda at this particular venue. With the Movistar bike looking in fine fettle last week and with Rossi clearly in excellent form, they’ll feel as though there’s a decent chance of upsetting the odds and getting on the podium once again.