Raul Fernandez, last year’s Australian Grand Prix winner, admits the farewell to Phillip Island as a MotoGP venue will be emotional, saying, “I will cry a little bit.” Fernandez claimed his— and Trackhouse’s—first premier-class victory at the iconic circuit in 2025, capitalizing when Marco Bezzecchi served a penalty and holding off challengers like Pedro Acosta and Alex Marquez.
“Not just because I got my first MotoGP victory here, but because I always enjoy coming to Phillip Island—it is super nice. There have been so many exciting races here in MotoGP, Moto2, and Moto3. It’s a track that everybody will miss,” Fernandez reflected.
Recalling the special moment from last season, he said, “The last corner! I remember the last corner, [seeing] all the team… and thinking: we made it.”
Fernandez arrives at Phillip Island fresh from his maiden MotoGP pole at Mandalika and a gutsy runner-up finish despite nursing a broken finger. With Aprilia showing strong form—both Fernandez and Bezzecchi topped podiums here last year—the team is optimistic for another competitive outing.
Fernandez attributed Aprilia’s success at the fast, sweeping track to “very good stability in the fast corners.”
Team-mate Ai Ogura, who swept up Aprilia’s top-four at Mandalika, is hoping for a better Phillip Island result after a challenging debut there in 2025.
“Last year it was right after my injury and my rookie season. This year, with more track experience, I hope to do much better,” said Ogura.
Trackhouse principal Davide Brivio called Phillip Island “full of memories” and praised both riders for their recent form, expressing hope that Fernandez’s injury won’t keep him from contending for the win.
The Australian MotoGP is set to move to Adelaide in 2027, making this the final chapter for Phillip Island. As the paddock prepares to say goodbye, emotions and high hopes run high for a memorable weekend ahead.
