As Motorsport.com Italia reports, the MotoGP paddock is facing a bittersweet reality this weekend as riders prepare for what is set to be the final appearance at Phillip Island before the championship moves to a street circuit in Adelaide next year. It feels strange to accept that this ultra-fast Australian venue is leaving the calendar, and the competitors who adore its pure speed are struggling to come to terms with the departure.
Francesco Bagnaia, racing for the Ducati Team, made no secret of his disappointment ahead of the Australian Grand Prix. "It's a shame, a great shame. An iconic track, a pure speed track like this. There aren't many left, we are certainly heading in a different direction and it's a pity because where we riders have the most fun are tracks like this," Bagnaia told journalists at the track.
I believe that the common interest is to go in total safety and the main objective of Dorna I think is that one. But let's say I wouldn't want to go into too much detail,
The weather, as always in this part of the world, remains a notorious wild card. Bagnaia pointed out how the conditions fluctuate wildly over the course of a few days. While Thursday and Friday often bring beautiful weather with temperatures sitting at 25 and 27 degrees, the weekend frequently brings a dramatic shift, plunging to 12 degrees alongside heavy wind and rain. "So it will be a fun weekend," he noted sarcastically.
Despite his deep affection for the layout, the Ducati Team rider has never taken a victory at Phillip Island across any class, and his expectations for the current weekend remain modest. The circuit demands absolute confidence and a profound feel from the machine. Since wet conditions tend to multiply his troubles twofold, Bagnaia is praying for dry asphalt.
Talk also turned to the upcoming Grand Premio del Qatar scheduled for the weekend of November 8, amidst worsening conditions regarding the conflict in the Middle East. When asked if the riders had discussed the situation, Bagnaia kept his thoughts measured. "I believe that the common interest is to go in total safety and the main objective of Dorna I think is that one. But let's say I wouldn't want to go into too much detail," he explained.
Finally, the Italian rider spare a thought for Kimi Antonelli, who faces his first match point to clinch a world title in Formula 1 over the weekend in Austin. Praising his incredible maturity despite his young age, Bagnaia offered his full support. "It's fantastic, I'm with him in thought," he said.
