Incredible MotoGP season set to continue in Austria

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Bengaluru, August 9: As the MotoGP heads to the 11th round at the Red Bull Ring circuit in Austria on Sunday (August 13), sparks are sure to fly.

After reigning champion Marc Marquez powered his Repsol Honda to a dominant flag-to-flag win at the previous round in Brno and extended his points advantage to 14, the Borgo Panigale factory's form in Austria is sure to give the standings a shake up once again.

Looking to defend his position as much as possible is Marquez. Now with the most breathing space of anyone, the rider from Cervera has a 14-point cushion as the paddock arrives at a venue that was more difficult for him last year.

Using the post-Czech GP test to prepare for Austria, however, leaves the No. 93 more confident of putting up a bigger fight this year. Honda team-mate Dani Pedrosa, who gained on everyone except Marquez by coming second in Brno, will be a key rival, too - with both men firmly pitched against each other as well as the rest of the field. 150 podiums into his career, Pedrosa remains a threat.

Movistar Yamaha MotoGP duo Maverick Vinales and Valentino Rossi are two more who will want to spring a surprise and take the spoils. So too is Ducati's Andrea Dovizioso.

Vinales was back on the podium in Brno for the first time since Mugello, with Rossi just off it in fourth and making useful points gains on Dovizioso - not something they will want to see eroded only a week later. The Yamahas followed the Ducatis home in 2016, which should hearten both as a good springboard.

Last year, Austria staged its own first: the first premier class victory for Andrea Iannone. Now on Team Suzuki Ecstar machinery, the 'Maniac''s expectations will have been adjusted for 2017 - but the memories of the venue will make it a happy hunting ground.

It's vroom time again as the race will be held on Sunday at 2pm local time (5.30pm IST).