These riders helped shape Australian motorcycle racing and inspired generations of competitors and fans,
said Australian Grand Prix Corporation CEO Travis Auld. Marc Marquez describes the final Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix at Phillip Island as an emotional farewell as the 2026 championship heads into its eighteenth round. Marquez sits just two points behind leader Jorge Martín in the standings ahead of the October 23–25 weekend.
The 4.45-kilometre seaside circuit hosts its final premier-class Grand Prix this weekend. The Australian round moves to a street track in Adelaide starting in 2027. Riders and organizers arrive at the Victorian venue facing a tight world championship battle. They also face the end of an era for a track that has staged top-level motorcycle racing since 1989.
Marquez and Martín Fight For the Title in Australia
Jorge Martín leads the championship with 355 points for Aprilia. Ducati rider Marc Marquez follows closely with 353 points. Only two points separate the top two riders in the standings as the paddock arrives in Australia for round eighteen.
Marquez reflected on the significance of the weekend. He spoke at a circuit where he has secured four premier-class victories, pointing out the unique challenge the track presents.
As we get ready for the last dance at the iconic Phillip Island at the 2026 #AustralianGP, it gets to host a #MotoGP championship that hangs in a delicate balance!!Who would come out on top? Marc Marquez or Jorge Martin?? pic.twitter.com/HgcKlPb48e
Aprilia rider Marco Bezzecchi arrives in Australia following a victory in Indonesia and holds third in the standings with 309 points. Trackhouse rider Ai Ogura follows in fourth with 259 points. KTM’s Pedro Acosta stands fifth with 258 points. Francesco Bagnaia sits ninth with 166 points and looks to capitalize on the circuit’s pure adrenaline and extraordinary layout, having yet to win a premier-class race at Phillip Island.
Australian Champions Gather For a Special Legends Lap
Wayne Gardner, Mick Doohan, and Casey Stoner take to the track together for a Legends Lap. Australian motorcycle racing history takes center stage before Sunday’s feature race. World champion Kevin Schwantz joins the group for the exhibition.
The trio shares eight premier-class world championships. Gardner won the inaugural Grand Prix at the venue in 1989. Doohan claimed his fifth consecutive 500cc world title on home soil in 1998. Stoner dominated the circuit with six straight victories from 2007 to 2012.
These riders helped shape Australian motorcycle racing and inspired generations of competitors and fans,
Auld said. Fans attending the weekend can also view Doohan’s 1998 title-winning motorcycle.
The title fight heads to Phillip Island with just two points separating Marc Marquez and Jorge Martin at the top of the standings 🇦🇺🤏Who's your pick to win it all in 2026? 🏆#MotoGP pic.twitter.com/XkWW7fLg2a
Jack Miller bids farewell to home fans during his final home appearance with Pramac Yamaha. Miller aims to recover from a difficult weekend in Mandalika and score points in front of the local crowd.
Times For the Final Phillip Island Race Weekend
Free practice sessions begin on Friday, October 23. Qualifying is scheduled for Saturday morning ahead of the 13-lap MotoGP Sprint at 6:00 am CEST. Sunday’s 27-lap Grand Prix gets underway at 4:00 am CET, following the end of daylight saving time in Central Europe when clocks go back one hour at 3:00 am.
| Session | Date (CEST/CET) | Local Time (AEDT) |
|---|---|---|
| MotoGP Practice | Friday, Oct 23, 6:00 am | 3:00 pm |
| MotoGP Qualifying 2 | Saturday, Oct 24, 2:15 am | 11:15 am |
| MotoGP Sprint (13 laps) | Saturday, Oct 24, 6:00 am | 3:00 pm |
| MotoGP Race (27 laps) | Sunday, Oct 25, 4:00 am | 2:00 pm |
The circuit has staged top-level motorcycle racing since 1989.
A lone warrior for the last #AustralianGP at Phillip Island 🗡️🟠 "Coming down the straight with just the sea in front of you is something very unique" @Luca_Marini_97 📄 https://t.co/JRl9mFXZRu pic.twitter.com/ZPl8HKRJno
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📰 Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Prepare for Final Phillip Island Showdown🔗 https://t.co/SrfsiIUmaj#MonsterYamaha | #YamahaMotoGP | #MotoGP | #AustralianGP pic.twitter.com/SO1HVJ0Bvn
Marc Marquez says racing at the “breathtaking” Phillip Island circuit for the final time in #MotoGP this weekend will be “emotional”.https://t.co/qShXwrGziX