After winning the Riders and Constructors Championships, the Repsol Honda Team is aiming to maintain their momentum for the rest of the races. Round 17 of the 2019 MotoGP World Championship will be held in Australia’s Phillip Island Circuit. It is located on the edge of the Bass Strait. It has hosted some of the most challenging races in recent years. Eight-time MotoGP World Champion will be standing a chance to pass Australia Mick Doohan’s record of 54 premier class wins on Honda machinery.
The Australian Grand Prix will be starting with Free Practice 1 on Friday, October 26 and then continue with the 27-lap MotoGP race on Sunday, October 27. Running on Friday will feature an additional third session as Michelin hold a 20 minute tyre test session at 15:55 Local Time.
Photo credits: HRC
“It’s one of my favourite tracks, Phillip Island, I really enjoy riding there a lot – especially the left corners! But it’s a circuit where many others, and especially Yamaha can be strong. Normally we have a lot of competition there and it will be a challenge as always. Our target is, of course, to try to win. But once the weekend begins, we will see where we are and assess the situation. We approach the whole event with the same mentality. Mick Doohan is one of the first names in my memory, Doohan versus Criville on the 500cc. So to equal his incredible numbers is special for me,” says Marquez as quoted from Honda Racing Corporation.
Photo credits: HRC
“I am looking forward to Phillip Island to see if what we discovered in Japan can also help us there as it is a very different kind of circuit. I was unable to race there last year so I am looking forward to riding again, it’s a special circuit and in the past I have good memories of fighting for podiums and the win I had. Also we will have to pay attention to the weather because this can change the circumstances a lot.”
Photo credits: HRC