Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP

Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Prepare for Final Phillip Island Showdown

After a one-week break, Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP's Fabio Quartararo and Álex Rins are all ready and fired up for the second part of the Asian-Oceanian flyaway rounds. This weekend the MotoGP paddock is touching down in Australia for a farewell visit to Phillip Island.

Phillip Island (Australia), 21st October 2026

After a one-week break, the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team have travelled to Phillip Island, Australia, for Round 18 on the 2026 MotoGP Calendar.

Fabio Quartararo commences the Australian GP holding joint-14th place in the standings. The Frenchman has ridden a MotoGP bike at the Phillip Island track five times before, in 2019, and from 2022-2025. El Diablo's best score in a full-length race here was the ninth place he secured in 2024, having started from P19.

Álex Rins sits 20th in the overall rankings and aims to make the most of this final visit to Phillip Island. He loves the flowing track, ocean views and atmosphere, and has fond memories of the circuit, scoring three consecutive podiums: a Moto3 win in 2013, a third place in Moto3 in 2014, and a Moto2 win in 2015. He also won the MotoGP Race here in 2022.

Phillip Island hosted its first motorcycle race in 1931. In 1956, a permanently constructed circuit started hosting motorcycle events until it fell into disrepair during the late 70s and early 80s. The circuit made a comeback and hosted its first MotoGP events in 1989 and 1990 after extensive renovation and became a regular fixture from 1997 onwards. Thanks to its terrific coastal location and its flowing 4.45 km layout, featuring seven left and five right corners and a 900m longest straight, the Phillip Island track is loved by fans and MotoGP riders alike. However, 2026 will mark the circuit's final appearance on the MotoGP calendar.

MASSIMO MEREGALLI
Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team Director

"After a one-week break, we arrive at Phillip Island refreshed and ready for the second leg of the Asian-Oceanian flyaways. This circuit is one of the most iconic venues on the calendar and is loved by riders, teams, and fans alike because of its unique layout and spectacular setting. It's always a special place to race. At the same time, it's a demanding track where changing weather and wind conditions can play a significant role throughout the weekend. We come here motivated after some positive signs in the previous rounds, and our goal is to continue building on that progress. As always, a strong start on Friday will be important to put ourselves in the best position for the rest of the weekend. It's our last time enjoying this special track, so we want to give the fans the best show possible."

FABIO QUARTARARO
Rider, Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP

"I enjoyed the week off and used the time to recharge before these final races of the season. Phillip Island is a very unique circuit compared to most tracks we visit. It's also the last time we'll race here, so it will be special to experience the atmosphere one more time. For sure, I will give it my 100% as always."

ÁLEX RINS
Rider, Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP

"I'm really happy to be back at Phillip Island. It's a track that I've always enjoyed, and I have many good memories here from different stages of my career. The layout is fantastic. Riding here this weekend, knowing that this is our final MotoGP weekend at Phillip Island, makes this round even more significant, so I want to enjoy every lap while also focusing on doing a good job for the team. We've had time to prepare during the break, and now I'm looking forward to getting started."

Links & Download

#AustralianGP | Michelin Race Guide

Link

Notes

The Grand Prix of Australia is held in the GMT+11 time zone. FP1 will take place on Friday from 10:45-11:30 local track time, followed by the Practice session from 15:00-16:00. On Saturday, FP2 will be held from 10:10-10:40, the qualifying sessions from 10:50-11:30, and the 13-lap Sprint starts at 15:00. On Sunday*, Warm Up is held from 08:40- 08:50, and the 27-lap Race starts at 14:00.

* Please note that daylight saving time ends in Europe on Sunday 25 October. Fans and media in Europe should be aware that the clocks are turned back one hour between the Moto3 Race and the Moto2 Race, increasing the time difference by one hour.

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