16 October 2024 - After a week off following the Japanese GP, Aprilia Racing is set for the final races of the Asian tour in Australia, Thailand and Malaysia. This weekend (18-20 October) MotoGP returns to the spectacular Phillip Island circuit for the 17th Grand Prix of the season, with Maverick Viñales and Aleix Espargaró ready to give it all.
Maverick Viñales has an impressive track record at Phillip Island: MotoGP winner in 2018, pole-sitter in 2019, podium finishes in 2017 and 2016 and Moto2 winner in 2014. The Spanish rider will be looking to regain a positive feeling with the RS-GP24, having already shown encouraging signs at Motegi where he finished third on the grid.
Aleix Espargaró, meanwhile, is determined to turn the page after the Motegi race. His best result at Phillip Island was an eighth-place finish last year, and the Spanish rider is keen to improve.
Image source: https://www.facebook.com/PhillipIslandCircuit
The 4,450-meter Phillip Island circuit is renowned for its spectacular setting: the track winds along a cliff on the island, located in the State of Victoria, surrounded by pristine nature. It features 5 right-handers and 7 left-handers. Although it is one of the least demanding circuits for brakes, the unpredictable weather is a constant challenge for riders and teams.
MAVERICK VIÑALES, #12: “It’s always special to arrive at a track like Phillip Island, which brings back great memories. These are my last races with Aprilia, so I’m eager to perform well and give my all to achieve good results.”
ALEIX ESPARGARÓ, #41: “Phillip Island is a track I really like and it's very fast. Aprilia has usually adapted well here, but this year there's a completely new asphalt, so I'm hoping for good conditions, especially as the weather will be a key factor. I'm confident that I can have a strong race.”
Australian GP overview, motogp.com:
https://www.motogp.com/en/calendar/2024/event/australia/da4a8189-1283-4131-bb4a-4af4f537561c
