Currently seventh in the championship standings, Fernandez is also disappointed that the event is leaving Phillip Island.

PHILLIP ISLAND: Seven-time world champion Marc Marquez expects an emotional weekend as MotoGP prepares to race at Phillip Island for the final time after nearly three decades at the iconic Australian circuit.

The picturesque, wind-swept track, located about two hours from Melbourne, has been a regular fixture on the MotoGP calendar since 1997 and remains a favourite among riders for its coastal setting and challenging layout.

However, the circuit’s contract expires this year, bringing its long association with the championship to an end.

MotoGP Sports Entertainment had sought to move the Australian Grand Prix to Melbourne’s Albert Park, which hosts Formula One, while the Victorian state government wanted the race to remain at Phillip Island.

After negotiations broke down, South Australia secured a six-year agreement to host the event in Adelaide from 2027. The move will bring MotoGP to a city-centre location for the first time.

“Phillip Island is an extraordinary circuit. Racing here for the last time will be emotional,” said Marquez, who rides for Ducati.

The Spaniard heads into the weekend just two points behind Aprilia’s Jorge Martin in the championship standings.

“It is a track with a unique, breathtaking layout. Here I won one of my first races with Ducati and we are motivated to do well, ready to fight right away for the positions that matter,” he added.

Marquez and Bagnaia Reflect on Phillip Island Memories

Phillip Island has witnessed some of Marquez’s finest performances. The Spaniard has won four times at the circuit, although it has also been the scene of difficult moments, including a high-speed crash involving Johann Zarco in 2018.

His Ducati teammate Francesco Bagnaia has yet to win at Phillip Island but believes the circuit has played an important role in his championship campaigns.

Bagnaia finished third in 2022 and second in 2023, results that proved valuable during his title-winning seasons.

“It will be the last time on this track, a circuit where I haven’t managed to win yet, but which holds an incredible charm, an extraordinary layout, and pure adrenaline,” Bagnaia said.

Three-Way Championship Battle Intensifies

With five rounds remaining, the MotoGP title race has developed into a three-way contest involving Martin, reigning champion Marquez and Marco Bezzecchi.

Bezzecchi strengthened his position by winning the previous race in Indonesia. The Aprilia rider trails Marquez by 44 points and holds a 50-point advantage over fourth-placed Ai Ogura.

Martin said the championship standings were becoming increasingly competitive as the riders prepared for the Australian Grand Prix.

“We arrive in Australia with the gaps in the riders’ standings even tighter, so we have to keep working and keep faith in what everyone at Aprilia and the team is doing,” Martin said.

“I’m confident that my team and I will do an excellent job and give this circuit the send-off it deserves.”

Raul Fernandez Remembers Maiden MotoGP Victory

Marquez and Martin both missed last year’s Australian race because of injuries, allowing Spain’s Raul Fernandez to seize the opportunity and secure his maiden MotoGP victory.

Currently seventh in the championship standings, Fernandez is also disappointed that the event is leaving Phillip Island.

“I will cry a little bit,” Fernandez said.

“Not because I got my first MotoGP victory here but also because I always enjoy it a lot coming to Phillip Island — it is super nice.”

Fernandez added that the circuit had produced memorable racing across MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3, making it a venue that riders would miss.

With the championship battle intensifying and the circuit preparing for its final appearance on the MotoGP calendar, the Australian Grand Prix carries significance beyond the fight for points, marking the end of an era at one of motorcycle racing’s most celebrated venues.