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2w ago

Phillip Island MotoGP Delays Sunday Schedule by One Hour Over High-Wind Threat

Officials acted on damaging-wind forecasts, expecting safer afternoon conditions.

Thursday, 2025 Australian MotoGP
Marco Bezzecchi, 2025 Australian MotoGP
Jack Miller during MotoGP practice at Phillip Island. Image: Michelin
A general view of the front straight at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit during MotoGP practice for the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix. Image: Michelin

Overview

  • Australian Grand Prix organisers shifted all Sunday sessions back by one hour, placing the MotoGP race at 3:00pm AEDT after warm-up at 10:40am, Moto3 at 12:00pm and Moto2 at 1:15pm.
  • Forecasts from the Bureau of Meteorology flag damaging winds of roughly 35–50 km/h with the potential for stronger gusts on Sunday.
  • Francesco Bagnaia led calls to move the full-distance race to Saturday, pointing to MotoGP’s 2023 Phillip Island swap, but officials opted for a timing delay instead.
  • Rider opinion is split, with Pedro Acosta arguing the event should stay on Sunday if conditions are dry and visibility is good, while others like Miguel Oliveira and Luca Marini warn gusts could compromise safety, particularly for Moto2.
  • The Safety Commission discussions continue as teams weigh wind sensitivity of modern aero-heavy bikes, with Alex Rins cautioning that removing winglets may worsen handling rather than help in crosswinds.