Kimi Antonelli Nears Title at COTA While Phillip Island Hosts Final MotoGP Race

Kimi Antonelli can seal the drivers' championship this weekend at the Circuit of the Americas as the racing action heads to Texas. The 20-year-old holds a 102-point lead over his teammate George Russell with six rounds remaining, giving him a chance to become the youngest world champion. To clinch the title this Sunday, Antonelli must win the race and expand his lead by at least 23 points, which requires Russell to finish in ninth place or lower and Lewis Hamilton to finish fifth or lower. Max Verstappen poses a major threat after winning the last two consecutive races. Fans in India can watch all live sessions on the FanCode and F1 TV apps, with the main race starting at 1:30am IST on Monday, October 26. Meanwhile, MotoGP travels to the Phillip Island track for the final time before the Australian Grand Prix shifts to the Adelaide street circuit in 2027. Phillip Island has hosted the event since 1997. Just two points separate leader Jorge Martin and Marc Marquez after 17 rounds, while Marco Bezzecchi sits 46 points behind in third place. Rain is expected for both the Saturday Sprint and Sunday Grand Prix. Indian viewers can catch the live stream on FanCode and the TV broadcast on Eurosport, with the race scheduled for 8:30am IST on Sunday, October 25.

Context

Motorsport championships often reach high tension near the end of a season when weather conditions and tight points gaps can alter race outcomes. Historic venues like Phillip Island hold long-standing places in racing history before calendar changes take effect in future years.