With the Riders’ and Constructors’ Championships in hand, the Repsol Honda Team is turning its attention to ending 2019 in perfect form.
For Round 17 of the 2019 MotoGP World Championship, the paddock moves to Australia’s Phillip Island Circuit. Located on the edge of Bass Strait, the circuit is popular with many drivers and has hosted some of the most competitive premier class racing in recent years. Australia presents eight-time MotoGP World Champion Marc Marquez his first chance to surpass Australian Mick Doohan’s record of 54 premier class wins on Honda machines.
Marquez has twice won the Australian GP and arrives in incredible form after claiming his 13th consecutive podium, a feat he has never equaled in the premier class. With weather almost always a crucial factor in seaside racing, Marquez and his crew go into the weekend ready to anticipate any conditions. Achievement of a 55th MotoGP win would add to an already incredible year for Marquez, who has set the all-time pole record in the premier class, taken Honda’s 300th premier class win and is on track to break the record for most in points scored in a MotoGP season.
Jorge Lorenzo arrives in Australia after taking positive results from the Japanese GP and setting some of his most competitive times since returning from injury. Using lessons learned in Japan, Lorenzo and his side of the Repsol Honda Team garage are looking to validate what they have learned at the fast and flowing Phillip Island.
Track action gets underway in Australia with Free Practice 1 at 10:50am local time on Friday 26th October with the event culminating in the 27 lap MotoGP race taking place on Sunday 27th October at 15:00 local time There will be an additional third session on Friday as Michelin holds a 20 minute tire testing session at 15:55 local time.