Eric Uribe
We’re three rounds into the 2023 MotoGP season and we’ve been hit with a number of surprises so far — so much that we’re updating our world championship betting pick. You’re going to want to read what we have to say because big money is on the line this early in the brand-new campaign.
2023 MotoGP Season Review
There are 18 rounds left in the MotoGP season. So yes, it’s still super early. While you do want to exercise caution and not over-read anything too much, you also can’t ignore what’s transpired after three Grand Prixs. We’re taking a balanced approach to inform our betting pick which we’ll get to soon, but first, we must review the 2023 MotoGP season up to this point.
The biggest thing to call out immediately is the diversity of winners. Every single race has had a different rider atop the podium. In week one, it was the defending champion Francesco Bagnaia. Second-year premium driver Marco Bezzecchi grabbed the win the week after. And at the most recent Grand Prix of the Americas, Alex Rins triumphed.
It should come as no surprise that the trio leads the world championship standings. Bezzecchi leads the way with 64 points, while Bagnaia is 11 behind and Rins 17 back. Likewise, the trio of riders is also favored most in the championship futures odds. Per the top MotoGP betting sites, here’s how the lines shake out:
| Rider |  |  |  |
| Francesco Bagnaia | -190 | -190 | -190 |
| Marco Bezzecchi | +460 | +460 | +460 |
| Marc Marquez | +1100 | +1100 | +1100 |
| Maverick Vinales | +1300 | +1300 | +1300 |
| Enea Bastianini | +2000 | +2000 | +2000 |
| Fabio Quartararo | +2000 | +2000 | +2000 |
| Jorge Martin | +2000 | +2000 | +2000 |
| Alex Marquez | +2100 | +2100 | +2100 |
| Alex Rins | +2600 | +2600 | +2600 |
We should note which drivers have been non-factors so far. Atop that list is Yamaha’s Fabio Quartararo. At COTA, the 2021 title-winner earned a much-needed podium place (third). This comes after getting eighth and seventh beforehand. So Quartararo might be improving, but it’s clear his machine is inferior. Yamaha is the only bike on the grid that runs with an inline-four cylinder engine, not a V4 like the rest. We’re staying far, far away from betting Quatararo for this reason alone.
Marc Marquez is another rider that will have to play serious catch-up at some point. The six-time world champion crashed with Miguel Oliveira in the season-opener in Portugal. Injuries sustained at the time have sidelined him each of the past two races, and perhaps more. His status is unclear but after three years of almost non-stop injuries, Marquez is another name that’s best avoided if you have money.
Alright, we’ve already disqualified two riders from winning the world title. But in the section below, we’ll actually offer up our riders to take right now to win out.
Best Bets To Win 2023 MotoGP Championship
We’re going to give you two bets to win the 2023 MotoGP world championship. One bet is a “safe” choice, while the other is a riskier one. By pairing both together, you’re giving yourself a well-rounded betting approach. Here’s who we got taking it:
Marco Bezzecchi
When it comes to safe betting choices, then Bagnaia and Bezzecchi fit the bill. But out of the two, we actually side with the less obvious choice, Bezzecchi. We don’t think his fast start to 2023 — two podium appearances and sixth place at COTA — is a fluke. No, no, this kid’s the real deal and because many aren’t sure about him, you’re getting him at a decent betting price. The earlier you jump on this line, the more value you can preserve — cause Bezzecchi’s odds will shorten if he keeps this torrid up.
Furthermore, we’re beginning to sour on Bagnaia. At COTA, he crashed out for the second straight week. Bagnaia’s knack for securing DNFs, which has been happening for years now, is worrisome. Zero-point outings might be the slim opening Bezzecchi needs to steal the championship from under his rose.
Jack Miller
Yep, the Aussie is our more risky play to take here. Risky because Miller is all the way in 12th of the standings, barely at 26 points. But here’s why we’re advocating for a Miller bet: the KTM rider flashed big time at COTA. At one point, he was 10th in the grid but still sped his way up to third before crashing out mid-competition when Miller could’ve threatened for a win.
Still, we like what we saw out of Miller. The rider went on record at the Argentine Grand Prix that he “gets doubted more than anybody” in this sport. That’s true elsewhere but not here. Miller is a great underdog play to go along with your safer investment in Bezzecchi.
How To Bet On MotoGP Futures
You can place your bets on 2023 MotoGP futures at one of the trusted online sportsbooks below. These same bookies are offering odds on individual races the rest of the way too so you’re effectively getting a one-stop-shop for MotoGP gambling at any of the sites listed underneath.
In case you need help picking the best sportsbook, we’d encourage you to pour through our latest site reviews (links are also in the table). These reviews cover the ins and outs of each featured site so you know EXACTLY what you’re getting when you sign up to wager.
