The Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP crew have travelled to Phillip Island, Victoria, for the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix. They have adapted a ’nothing to lose‘ attitude and are prepared to go head-to-head this weekend with their rivals to defend the 2022 championship title.
Fabio Quartararo has taken some time to recharge his batteries following the triple-header so he can be on full attack mode in the final three races of the 2022 season. The Frenchman has only ridden a MotoGP bike at the Phillip Island track once before, in 2019. Though taken out by another rider on the first lap that time round, he showed great speed throughout that weekend. El Diablo would like nothing better than a long overdue do-over, and he can count on his team‘s and Yamaha‘s full support. With three rounds to go and two points separating the championship leader from his closest rival in the standings, the Factory Yamaha team will leave no stone unturned to help the 23-year-old increase his lead this weekend.
Franco Morbidelli made further steps at the Thai GP, keeping his positive trajectory going. After a week off, which the Italian spent training Flat Track at the VR46 Motor Ranch back in Italy, he has travelled to Australia for one of his favourite rounds. Morbido is one of the many riders who are a fan of the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. He has good memories of this place: he stood on the rostrum here twice in a row, in 2016 and 2017, when he secured second and third place respectively in the Moto2 class. His best result in the MotoGP class here is an eighth place in 2018.
Phillip Island hosted its first motorcycle race in 1931. In 1956 a permanently constructed circuit continued to host motorcycle Grand Prix events until it fell into disrepair during the late 70s and early 80s. After extensive renovation, the circuit made an intermediate comeback in MotoGP from 1989 until 1990, to become a regular fixture once more from 1997 onwards. Thanks to its terrific location, right next to the ocean, and its flowing 4.4km lay-out, featuring seven left and five right corners, and a 900m longest straight, the Phillip Island track is loved by fans and MotoGP riders alike.
