"Unique Racetrack": What makes Phillip Island so special?

The Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit has always been a favorite of most MotoGP riders. Since 1997, the Australian circuit is organized every year for the Australian Grand Prix. Previously, the World Motorcycle Championship had lasted six years at Eastern Creek. Before the local relay, you were already in 1989 and 1990 on Phillip Island.

"Phillip Island is more or less one of the most popular circuits for all drivers," said Valentino Rossi, six-time winner of the first clbad on this circuit. From 2000 to 2005, "The Doctor" won five consecutive wins at Phillip Island. In 2014, it was followed by another triumph, after the time between the two was always under the sign of the local hero, Casey Stoner. The Australian won his home race from 2007 to 2012 six times in a row.

But what is the particularity of Phillip Island? "On the other tracks, the average speed is also high, but this is mainly due to fast and long turns," said Rossi, who speaks of a "very unique circuit".

Second fastest track of the MotoGP calendar

In direct comparison to current MotoGP course records, Phillip Iceland ranks second in terms of average speed. Faster is only the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, where the pace is made mainly in long straight lines. The same goes for the track in third place on this list: Chang International Circuit in Thailand. Mugello, the Rio Hondo and Rio de Janeiro Termas follow fourth to sixth place in the current MotoGP calendar.

Phillip Island is in the top 6 the only counter-clocked circuit. That's what makes them so special, as Rossi explains: "Most turns are left turns, but there are also fast right turns, so you have to manage the temperature very well. tires, as well as climbs and descents. " very special itinerary. "

Cal Crutchlow, winner of Phillip Island in 2016, shines sparkling eyes of the track of the Australian Grand Prix and in particular exciting races. "On paper, I would say that ten riders can win this race, but there are only three podium finishes on the podium," said LCR Honda rider, who is currently leading the overall 15-point satellite rider rankings. in front of Johann Zarco (Tech -3 Yamaha) and Danilo Petrucci (Pramac-Ducati).

Can Crutchlow repeat his hussar run from two years ago on Sunday? "I do not know – I finished second in Japan last week, so the dynamic is there, but it will be hard to repeat in 2016 because it is not often that you have left six seconds in advance, as you saw last year There are usually a lot of drivers fighting for victory, "Crutchlow said.

Crutchlow: "There are already some tips"

Crutchlow describes in more detail the difficulty of winning a race on Phillip Island: "I've won here, but I do not know how it's done." It's easier said than done, Because if you have someone behind you, you can make it easy for you to get past the lane before Turn 1 and ruin the turn you've set yourself – it's a pretty tactical track. "

Commenting on the 2017 Australian Grand Prix, won by Marc Marquez, Crutchlow adds: "Marc seized the perfect opportunity to leave while the rest of the fight had started and there were a few tips left to follow. but I think it's important to be in the lead and we'll see how it goes on Sunday. "

And Rossi? The Italian, whose recent victory in MotoGP so far, as the date of June 2017 (Assen) of Yamaha, is reluctant. "We were pretty strong at Phillip Island last year, we had finished with two Yamaha podiums, so the track seems to be on us, but every year is different, we have to do a good job tomorrow and that's it. is important here at Phillip Island. "To have a good balance so that the bike is comfortable in the long fast turns, we will see if we are strong enough to fight for the podium."

This article was written by Mario Fritzsche