The MotoGP World Championship makes the antepenultimate stop of its global tour this weekend at the Phillip Island. With the Malaysian round set to follow just seven days later, the paddock will not return to Europe until the final round at Valencia but the hours of travelling and jetlag are at least compensated by the fact that these are two of the most enjoyable events for the teams and riders. Phillip Island is one of the most technically demanding and entertaining circuits on the planet and it is located in stunning scenery. Going into the last round in Portugal it seemed the 250cc title chase was the most open of the three but now it looks as though Hiroshi Aoyama has the luck of a champion in waiting.
However, Mapfre riders Álvaro Bautista and Mike Di Meglio are both fired up and optimistic about this weekend and a visit to a circuit where they both won the 125cc World Championship, in 2006 and 2008 respectively. Bautista has already put his Portuguese disaster behind him and after losing vital ground in the 250cc title chase he is preparing for all out attack over the final three rounds. Mike was rewarded for his tireless hard work with another podium at Estoril and the Frenchman is putting together a run of form that looks certain to wield at least one victory before the end of the season.
Álvaro Bautista:
“Australia is a circuit that holds a lot of good memories for me, because I won my World Championship here. It is a wonderful track with some very fast corners and it is always great fun to ride there. We were dealt a severe blow in Portugal but we go to Phillip Island without any pressure on us now, because the championship is virtually over. I’ve taken it well and now that I’ve got nothing to lose my only objective is to give it everything I have to try and have fun and win my final three races on a 250cc bike.”
Mike Di Meglio:
“I love Phillip Island and I had an almost perfect race there last year – the only thing I missed out on was the fastest lap. I was quickest all weekend in practice, won the race and the title and I have great memories of that. We go there this year on the back of a podium in Portugal and a great run of improving form over the last four races that I am sure we can continue in Australia. It won’t be easy because I have never ridden a 250 there before but I’m going to give it everything and try to make sure we keep our level of performance high until the end of the season.”
