Almost winter conditions are currently welcoming the drivers of the Australian Grand Prix to Phillip Island. Which is also normal, since summer, in the Antipodes, lasts from December to February. For the Doctor, coming to the magnificent Phillip Island track at the least favorable time is a waste. And given the first day spent near Melbourne, we cannot blame him.
So, what corrective action could be taken to avoid this? A trip to the calendar?
But it's not that simple, as laments Valentino Rossi during his private press conference: “ It's a shame because it's a fantastic site. But as usual, we come here at a time when the season carries all the dangers of bad weather. So you may be lucky, like last year, or not, because it's winter ».
« The problem is that there is a lot of water of course but also the temperature of the asphalt. It's so cold it's dangerous. I am one of the drivers who insists that we change the date of this Grand Prix, and I have been talking about it for six years already. It's a waste to come here in winter. It would be a shame anywhere else, but especially here. Having sunshine would be fantastic for television and riders but also MotoGP. But no, we come here when it's 10° ».
The persistence in error would come from Formula 1 which begins its season in Australia in March. An excuse that Vale does not receive: “ I pressed Carmelo Ezpeleta who told me this Formula 1 story. The people who organize the Formula 1 race are the same people who set up the MotoGP Grand Prix. But in Japan, it's not a problem and this year in Italy we had Monza and the weekend after Misano. There were people there and everything went well. I think it would be a good idea to start the championship here in March or even come after Qatar, but when we are sure of good weather ».
« I tried to convince, but I don't have enough leverage. However, it would be better for the drivers, the fans and everyone in fact. Last year we had 20° and sunshine and it was a beautiful weekend. But we are more likely to have the time we have now than the time we had a year ago coming to this period ».
If the sun does not chase away the clouds laying siege to Phillip Island in the next two days, there is no doubt that Rossi's arguments will regain strength and popularity among his peers.
It will be remembered that “Phillip Island in the summer” is popular with Superbike riders who open their season there in February…
