The Australian MotoGP is set for a dramatic showdown, with Alex Marquez aiming to secure second place in the world championship as his brother Marc Marquez misses out following shoulder surgery.
Marc, last year’s Phillip Island winner and newly crowned world champion, was injured in a crash at the Indonesian Grand Prix and is replaced by Ducati test rider Michele Pirro. Also sidelined are Jorge Martin and Maverick Vinales, meaning none of last year’s front-row starters will compete this weekend.
That leaves Alex Marquez well-placed to extend his 88-point lead over Francesco Bagnaia in the battle for runner-up. The Gresini Racing star, who has already sealed the Best Independent Rider title, can lock up second overall if he finishes the round 111 points ahead of Bagnaia.
“We’ve achieved the goal of clinching the Best Independent Rider title, and now we aim for the runner-up spot in the world championship,” said Marquez.
Phillip Island’s challenging weather and unpredictable conditions could play a decisive role once again, with wind and rain expected throughout the weekend.
Bagnaia, who has been consistent in Australia with three straight podiums, hopes to rebound after a disappointing outing in Indonesia. “We’re working hard to understand what happened at Mandalika. The goal is to get back the same feeling we had at Motegi,” he said.
Meanwhile, Marco Bezzecchi remains an outside contender for second place but faces a tough task after being handed a double long-lap penalty for his crash with Marc Marquez in Indonesia. “The fire to bounce back and grow from this episode is 100% there,” Bezzecchi said.
