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Strong crowd tipped for Aussie MotoGP

By Thomas Miles

Date posted: 18 October 2023

The Australian Grand Prix Corporation is hoping to at least match the crowd figures from last year at this weekend’s MotoGP at Phillip Island.

MotoGP returns down under for the 29th Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix to be held at the famous Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.

Last year 40,197 fans watched Alex Rins ride Suzuki to victory on Sunday, while a total of 91,158 attended the first MotoGP race down under in three years.

The race day figure was well up from the mid 30,000 totals in 2015 and 2016, whilst the record is 53,100 in 2012.

All up 122,465 fans came to farewell Casey Stoner as the two-time champion scored a sixth straight home win in 2012.

Australian Grand Prix CEO Travis Auld told 3AW Melbourne’s radio morning show hosted by Neil Mitchell a similar crowd to last year is anticipated to head to Phillip Island for the MotoGP this weekend.

“We kick off Friday and there is an expectation of around 90,000 over the three days which is not insignificant and provides a big boost for the area,” Auld said.

“I have become a convert and the championship is very close and for those that love the sport they will be in their droves.”

Auld went onto say the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix has “untapped” potential.

“I think the MotoGP is an untapped opportunity for Victoria and a very important event for the region,” he said.

“It is just about making it as assessable as possible.

“There is a great atmosphere at the circuit and we have a great base for some exciting stuff in not just F1 but the MotoGP.”

The Australian Grand Prix Corporation leader also revealed they are exploring the possibility of building a new pit structure at Albert Park for the Formula 1 Grand Prix.

Australian Grand Prix Corporation chair Martin Pakula also said he hopes the facilities at Phillip Island could also receive treatment at some stage.

“At Phillip island I would like to see the facilities for the fans, riders and teams as good as they possibly can be,” he said.

The track itself has received slight facelift ahead of this year’s event with changes made a the behest of the FIM to improve safety for competitors and spectators.

The most obvious changes are at turns one and 12, but many other corners on the track have had a minor tweak with an extended apron seen at turn six.

New concrete barriers have replaced the tyres on the outside of the final corner, while 300 tons of gravel were added at turns one to 12.

The 2023 Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix begins this Friday.

Image:Motorsport images

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