marc marquez
Marc Marquez is leading the riders' standings in MotoGP 2016 Getty

The Red Bull Ring in Spielberg which was originally built in 1969 and then rebuilt in 2011 will host its first MotoGP race as the world championship returns to Austria for the first time since 1997.

Honda's Marc Marquez comes into the inaugural Austrian Grand Prix in the first place in the Riders' Championship. The Spaniard has 170 points so far and leads Yamaha's Jorge Lorenzo by 48 points.

Seven-time world champion Valentino Rossi who has had a renaissance of sorts this year, is third with 111 points. However, with no rider sure of the mechanics of the track, the free practice sessions will be of utmost importance.

Where to watch live

The first practice session of the Spain MotoGP starts at 8.45am BST, with BT Sport 2 and BT Sports 2 HD providing live coverage in the UK.

Live coverage of the second practice session starts at 1.05pm BST. Real-time internet updates are available on MotoGP's official website.

Track Facts

  • Circuit Name: Red Bull Ring, Austria
  • First MotoGP Race: None
  • Circuit Length: 4.3km
  • Number Of Laps: 28
  • Race Distance: 120.9km

Riders' Championship review

Marc Marquez comes into the Austria Grand Prix in the first place on the Riders standings with 170 points. Movistar Yamaha's duo Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi round up the top-three with 122 and 111 points respectively.

The Red Bull ring which at 120.9 km is one of the longer tracks on the circuit, will be a test for the riders and with Austria hosting its first race in MotoGP history, the winner will be the one who gets the fastest grip on the mechanics of the track and how his team strategizes to counter any roadblocks on the way.