MOTOGP GETS DOWN UNDER FOR THE AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX
It’s time for the Australian Grand Prix on Phillip Island, a track famous for spectacular racing. It almost always delivers exciting action, rain or shine, and with some top riders out, it’s a great chance for others to shine.
Marc Marquez is already the World Champion, but he’s missing this race due to a shoulder injury, caused thanks to the crash with Marco Bezzecchi in Indonesia. The main focus now shifts to the fight for second place in the championship. Francesco Bagnaia had a rough race in Mandalika, hurting his chances for the runner-up spot. Alex Marquez, who finished on the podium in Indonesia, is now leading the chase. Replacing the injured Marc Marquez on the factory Ducati is test rider Michele Pirro.
Alex Marquez’s teammate, Fermin Aldeguer, was the big star last time out, becoming the second-youngest MotoGP winner ever. He’s excellent in the flyaway races and is looking to finish his amazing rookie season strong.
Marco Bezzecchi on the Aprilia had a chance for a great result in Indonesia but crashed early. He’s hoping to find his pace again in Australia. He’ll be joined by Lorenzo Savadori, as Jorge Martin is still injured. Raul Fernandez carried the weight for Aprilia in Indonesia, getting a podium in the Sprint race and sixth in the main race. He had two top-ten finishes here last year and aims to be competitive again.
Marco will have to serve a double long lap penalty this weekend due to the crash with Marc Marquez in Indonesia, affecting his final result on Sunday.
KTM continues its strong late-season push. Pedro Acosta finished second in Indonesia and is trying hard to catch Bezzecchi for third place overall. His teammate, Brad Binder, got his best Sunday result of the season with fourth place. Binder is always good in Australia. Enea Bastianini hopes to bounce back from a non-finish in Indonesia. He’ll have a new teammate, Pol Espargaro, as Maverick Viñales is still recovering from a shoulder injury.
Acosta has moved ahead of Franco Morbidelli and Fabio Di Giannantonio in the standings. Aldeguer is close behind ‘Diggia’. Further back is Fabio Quartararo, who hasn’t had a top-six finish in Australia yet. Johann Zarco, the 2023 Australian GP winner, is still in the top ten. Another rider who always performs well at home is Jack Miller. He’s had podiums and has fought for the win here before, so expect him to be a frontrunner.
Don’t forget about Luca Marini and Joan Mir, who have both been fighting for podiums recently. Miguel Oliveira and Somkiat Chantra have been scoring points consistently and hope to keep that form going.
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