MotoGP will make the trip down under for the first time in three years this weekend, the Animoca Brands Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix taking to the iconic Phillip Island circuit.
Come Sunday, a field of 24 riders will compete 27 laps of the circuit for a race totaling 120.1km in length. Preceding this will be a day of free practice and a day of qualifying for a busy weekend of on and off-track entertainment. Moto2 and Moto3 will also be present at the Grand Prix.
With just three rounds remaining, the 2022 competition has been fierce, five riders still realistically in contention to claim the championship.
Defending World Riders Champion Fabio Quartararo leads the battle by the narrowest of margins, just 2 points separating him and 2021 runner-up Francesco Bagnaia.
Australian Jack Miller also remains in contention, a strong home race required should he remain in contention for top spot. He has won here before, however, with victory in Moto3 in 2014.
The 27-year-old’s form of late has also been impressive, a win in Japan two rounds ago and runner-up in Thailand last time out among the highlights of his season thus far. With 40 points the gap between Quartarto and Miller, the Australian will need to perform with only 50 points available following the weekend.
Qualifying will take place from 4.10pm NZ time on Saturday, Sunday’s main event starting at 4pm.
All MotoGP races are shown live in New Zealand on Spark Sport.