Open fight for Australian Grand Prix glory
MotoGP is coming back to Phillip Island this weekend with a wide field expected to battle for Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix victory.
Not only is the fast-flowing and unpredictable Phillip Island anticipated to produce another exciting MotoGP tussle, but there is a championship going down to the wire.
After some dramatic recent rounds where the tables have turned dramatically race to race, just 10 points separate Jorge Martin and Francesco Bagnaia.
The pair have started the last two races with Bagnaia doing the Sprint and Grand Prix double last start in Japan to reduce the deficit.
Neither have won down under, but Martin came very close last year, leading the final lap, only to run out of luck with his tyre gamble and fall to fifth.
With just four races left, the sequel of the 2023 tussle could go either way.
Whilst all eyes will be on the factory and Pramac Ducati heavyweights, Channel 10 MotoGP expert and former 500cc Grand Prix winner Darryl Beattie believes those who are not in contention could have just as much of an impact.
In the last five races Marc Márquez and Enea Bastianini have also been regulars in victory lane, while rookie sensation Pedro Acosta was on pole in Motegi.
“There are other protagonists involved as well that makes it quite difficult,” the three-time 500cc winner said.
“We talk about two title contenders but that does not mean on Saturday or Sunday everyone sits back and lets them fight.
“That is what becomes difficult as a championship contender. All of a sudden you have maybe Aleix Espargaro or Pedro Acosta or Jack Miller wanting to win a Grand Prix.
“Marc will play a big part in the championship because there is no pressure on him and then you have (Maverick) Vinales and Bastianini, there are so many which has been so good about MotoGP this year.
“Now we are getting towards the pointy end of the championship, it is when things get a bit more difficult. They have dealt with it all year long and just adds the pressure.
“You do not want someone making a silly mistake in the run into turn 4 or the Lukey Heights early in a lap and taking out one of the contenders.
“If the two of them go to battle, it will be great to see them up front fighting.
“Phillip Island is a high average speed and the track lends itself to racing and never disappoints, so we are in for something special this weekend.”
The weather is always a variable at Phillip Island, as highlighted last year when the Grand Prix was moved to Saturday and Sunday’s historic sprint was called off due to high winds.
However, the biggest factor this year could be the impact of the new track surface.
The famous 4.448km of tarmac has been completely resurfaced since the last time MotoGP raced in Australia.
The weather makes it as well. It was frustrating as a rider but now I don’t have to put a helmet on I think it really makes it
The other thing you have to remember is the new surface. That sort of throws a few balls in the air on tyre ware
“It will be a real tester for the tyre and will be interesting to see how the tyre lasts compared to the main race.
“There will be a lot of people worrying about it and will they get enough dry running in the lead up to Saturday and Sunday to evaluate that?
“That is all to unfold.”
Image: Gold and Goose
2024 Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix
Practice 1: Fri 10.45-11.30 (Fox Sports)
Practice: Fri 15.00-16.00 (Fox Sports)
Practice 2: Sat 10.10-10.40 (Fox Sports)
Qualifying: Sat 10.50-11.30 (Fox Sports)
Sprint: Sat 15.00 13 Laps (Channel 10/Fox Sports)
Warm up: Sun 9.40-9.50 (Fox Sports)
Grand Prix: Sun 14.00 27 laps (Channel 10/Fox Sports)
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