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MotoGP returns to Phillip Island for the 17th round of the season, marking the second of a hat-trick of intense races for 2024. The Australian Grand Prix is ​​crucial, as Pecco Bagnaia has reduced the gap to Jorge Martin to just 10 points, putting the two rivals in a tight race for the title. For Bagnaia, that gap may seem small if he stays consistent and finishes ahead of Martin, but the smallest mistakes can change everything.

Phillip Island could well benefit Martin, despite last year's disappointment when he saw a near-certain victory slip away due to a risky tyre choice. In 2023, after dominating the race, he finished fifth, having opted for soft tyres that proved less efficient as he approached the finish line. This year, the strategic choice will be all the more crucial with forecasts changeable weather forecast for Friday and Saturday, suggesting a Sunday race under sunny skies.

In 2023, Johann zarco had won the long race, marking his only victory in MotoGP. But the situation is very different this year: at the helm of the Honda, it will be difficult for zarco to repeat this performance, given the current struggles of the Japanese brand.

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On the side of Ducati, several drivers could well play spoilsport. Enea Bastianini et Marc Marquez, next to Franco Morbidelli, Fabio Di Giannantonio, Marco Bezzecchi, and Alex Marquez, are expected to face an intense fight at the top. Peter Acosta, who showed immense potential at Motegi by taking pole position, will be hoping to bounce back from his successive crashes. Phillip Island could also offer an opportunity for Aprilia to relaunch a team that has been in the shadows recently.

Phillip Island, with its 4,4 kilometres, its 7 left turns and 5 right turns, is one of the most iconic circuits in MotoGP. Built in 1956 and hosting the Australian GP since 1997, this track has seen some great racing moments. Casey Stoner, local of the stage, holds the record with six consecutive victories, while Valentino Rossi shares the same number of MotoGP victories, adding a 500cc victory to his tally. Among current riders, Marc Marquez is the one with the most poles, another challenge for the competitors.

As the teams line up for battle, Phillip Island promises to be the scene of a race where every decision, every turn, and every acceleration could determine not only the winner of the race, but perhaps also the world champion.

MotoGP | Sky and TV8 TV schedules of the 2024 Australian GP at Phillip Island

2024 MotoGP Australian GP Schedule

Friday, October 18

FP1 Moto3 23:45-00:20

FP1 Moto2 00:35-01:30

FP1 MotoGP 01:45-02:30

FP2 Moto3 04:15-04:50

FP2 Moto2 05:05-05:45

MotoGP practice 06-00

Saturday, October 19

FP3 Moto3 23:40-00:10

FP3 Moto2 00:25-00:55

FP2 MotoGP 01:10-01:40

Q1 MotoGP 01:50-02:05

Q2 MotoGP 02:15-02:30

Q1 Moto3 03:50-04:05

Q2 Moto3 04:15-04:30

Q1 Moto2 04:45-05:00

Q2 Moto2 05:10-05:25

MotoGP Sprint Race 06pm

Dimanche octobre 20

Warm Up MotoGP 00-40

Moto3 race 02:00 p.m.

Moto2 race 03:15 p.m.

MotoGP race 05:00

 

 

 

 

All articles on Pilots: Francesco Bagnaia, John Zarco

All articles on Teams: Ducati Team, Pramac Racing