For the first time since the 2006 Japanese Grand Prix,[4] the podium was swept by Italian riders, as Yamaha's Valentino Rossi – in his 20th Grand Prix season – took his first season-opening victory since 2010, ahead of Dovizioso,[5] and his teammate Andrea Iannone, who achieved his first MotoGP podium in third place.

[6] Reigning world champion Marc Márquez had a good start position, third on the grid, but went off track and almost hit Jorge Lorenzo and Bradley Smith.

After he fell to the rear of the field due to the first-lap incident, Márquez overtook several riders and was able to finish fifth, behind Lorenzo.

Álvaro Bautista was forced to retire after his bike was hit by Márquez, breaking his left brake lever and front sensor.

The weekend also saw the début of the new Aprilia RS-GP, which was used by Gresini Racing after the team switched from Honda at the end of 2014.