The Australian Grand Prix weekend in Phillip Island saw the MotoGP sprint race postponed due to persistent adverse weather, with gusty winds and heavy rain affecting track conditions. Organizers and the series management reviewed the plan several times to maximize rider safety and ensure there was meaningful competition on a visibly challenging surface. As conditions continued to deteriorate, officials made the difficult decision to halt all on-track activity after the Moto2 feature concluded, bringing Friday’s or Saturday’s program into sharp focus for potential rescheduling.
Before Sunday’s schedule could be executed, Dorna and the event organizers acknowledged forecasts predicting worsening weather, with winds reaching notable speeds that could compromise rider safety and pit operations. In light of that assessment, the long MotoGP race was moved to an earlier window on Saturday, while the sprint format remained contingent on favorable Sunday conditions. The plan remained subject to final track assessments and weather observations on race day. [Attribution: Dorna]
On Saturday, Jorge Martín led a Ducati-heavy field but ultimately ceded a position in the championship to Pecco Bagnaia after a strategic miscue during the longer race. The Italian rider, Bagnaia, edged ahead in the season standings, moving clear of Martín by a comfortable margin as the round at Phillip Island drew to a close. The outcome also saw Johann Zarco, another Ducati rider, take advantage of the day’s twists to climb the order, with Fabio Di Giannantonio and others in close pursuit. The shifting odds and changing race formats underscored how weather can redefine momentum in a MotoGP season. [Attribution: Dorna]
As the championship swung through the 16th round, Bagnaia extended his advantage, building a lead of 27 points over his nearest rival. The standings highlighted Ducati’s continuing strength across the premier class, with multiple riders from the Italian manufacturer occupying the top positions. The broader field showcased a mix of manufacturers, including KTM and Aprilia, underscoring a tightly contested title race that rewards consistency and quick adaptation to evolving race conditions. News from Phillip Island suggested that the championship would resume with the Thailand Grand Prix weekend from October 27 to 29, signaling a compressed calendar where every remaining race could become a decisive chapter. [Attribution: Dorna]
MotoGP classification
- F. Bagnaia (ITA / Ducati) – 366
- J. Martín (ESP / Ducati) – 339
- M. Bezzecchi (ITA / Ducati) – 293
- B. Linker (RSA/KTM) – 224
- J. Zarco (FRA / Ducati) – 187
- A. Espargaró (ESP / Aprilia) – 185
- M. Viñales (ESP / Aprilia) – 170
- L. Marini (ITA / Ducati) – 148
- J. Miller (AUS/KTM) – 144
- F. Quartararo (FRA / Yamaha) – 134