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MotoGP™ is taking over Phillip Island this weekend
The MotoGP™ is ready to transform Phillip Island into a revhead's paradise – and there's still time to plan your trip.
Still haven’t locked in your weekend plans? Lucky we’ve got you sorted, because the MotoGP™ in Phillip Island is the only place to be.
Who is set for a MotoGP™ podium finish?
After notching his tenth victory of the season (and 13th consecutive podium) at the Japan MotoGP, you’d be hard-pressed to look passed Honda’s Marc Marquez this weekend. In his first-ever pole start, he was untouchable from the second lap, opening up a gap as big as two seconds ahead of second-place French rookie Fabio Quartararo through most of the second half. Marquez had already secured his season victory by winning the Thailand Grand Prix earlier this month, but now a win at Phillip Island will make him the most successful Honda rider of all time in the reigning class. Are there any records left for Marquez to beat?
Although Marquez has won the riders’ championship, Ducati still lead the teams’ championship – albeit by a very slim 17 points. Riders Andrea Dovizioso (who placed third in Japan) and Danilo Petrucci (who came in at ninth) will surely be looking to prevent Marquez and team Honda from scoring the Triple Crown like they have done in 2017 and 2018.
Those aren’t the only big names you’ll see in action though, with the likes of Suzuki’s Alex Rins, Yamaha’s Maverick Vinales, Fabio Quartararo and Franco Morbidelli, and Honda’s Cal Crutchlow all hoping to do better than their top ten finishes in Japan. Then you have the likes of Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi (set to reach an incredible milestone, notching up his 400th start this weekend) who have naysayers to silence.
Where will Aussie Jack Miller finish? He’s had his ups and downs this year, with three crashes and a DNF in Qatar thanks to a wayward seat, and a 14th place in Thailand all on his record. But he also has a stable run of top ten finishes under his belt, and after exciting fans here 12 months ago when he took the lead, we can’t wait to see what he brings to Phillip Island in 2019.
The Phillip Island course is a notoriously tricky one, fairly earning its reputation with an average speed of 182.1km/h – one of the highest of the season. And with some very close finishes in its history books – including 2017, where the top seven riders were split by less than six seconds, competition is sure to be fierce.
Everything you need to know for your MotoGP™ weekend?
The world’s best motorcycle riders are just days away from riding the edge at the iconic Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit so it’s time to lock down all the final details for your trip to the edge.
Getting there:
You are absolutely spoilt for choice when it comes to options for getting to and from the circuit every day. The five-star Catch a Coach service offers one-way and return options from Southern Cross Coach Terminal to Phillip Island. Grab Catch a Coach tickets here to start pre-planning.
If you are staying on Phillip Island, you can use the shuttles to get around. Visit this link for timetables and further information. And make sure you check your gate number
For those travelling by plane, you can just jump on the SkyBus from Melbourne Airport to Southern Cross Station.
There’s plenty of other alternatives to get to the Circuit, which you can check out here, including ferries, regional services, train and even helicopters.
Key timings:
This year’s MotoGP™ race on Sunday will begin one hour earlier than it did last year, so make sure you’re ready and in position for a 3pm start for the main event.
Gates open at 8.30am on Friday and Saturday and 7.30am on Sunday. They close at 6.30pm on Friday and 6pm on Saturday and Sunday.
If you are using Catch a Coach, the last service leaves the track at 6.30pm on Friday from Gate 3. On Saturday and Sunday, the last Catch a Coach departs at 6pm from Gate 3.
Take it to the Grandstand:
The grandstand is the comfiest place to be this weekend. There are now three covered grandstands available to purchase, meaning more undercover seats than any event previously.
The Doohan Pavilion Grandstand, Stronger Pavilion Grandstand, and Gardner Premium Grandstand are all covered in 2019, so you can still witness all the action, but you’ll stay dry in the process.
Accommodation:
Camping is the easiest way to take in all that the MotoGP™ has to offer. You can set up a tent right next to the track, or head to higher ground, with treats like hot showers and a general store all on-site.
Trackside camping is perfect for those who have hopped on the bike themselves to make the trek, with no car parking available in the trackside campground. But, if you do have the car with you, there is a car park nearby.
Alternatively, the Highside campground is located to the west of the Southern Loop and has been designed for all vehicles. So, whether you’re on your bike, bringing the car, or even going full throttle with a caravan, campervan, bus, or motorhome, there are options available for everyone.
If you’re planning on making this year’s MotoGP™ a family affair, or if you just want to enjoy a quieter night, there is also a family-friendly area.
Find all your camping options right here.
The Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix (MotoGP™) will take over Phillip Island from Friday 25 October until Sunday 27 October. Make sure you’re a part of the journey and come along for the ride. Grab your tickets at Ticketmaster.com.au.
