The 2025 MotoGP season roars into its final run of four Grands Prix, and few venues could provide a more fitting stage than the legendary Phillip Island Circuit. Known simply as The Island, this windswept coastal track south of Melbourne has long been a cathedral of speed — a place where champions are forged, races are decided on the final corner, and weather can change the course of a weekend in an instant.
The Australian Grand Prix always delivers the unexpected, and this year, with big names sidelined and title positions still in play, the opportunity for new heroes to rise is wide open.
MARC MARQUEZ SIDELINED: Newly Crowned Champion to Miss the Island
Reigning World Champion Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) will sit out both the Australian and Malaysian rounds after injuring his shoulder, casting a rare silence over the number 93 garage. His absence shifts the spotlight to the fight for the runner-up spot — a contest that remains tightly poised.
After a frustrating non-score in Indonesia, Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) faces renewed pressure from his brother-in-arms Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP), who’s riding a wave of confidence after a podium at Mandalika. With Ducati test rider Michele Pirro stepping in to partner Bagnaia, all eyes will be on how the Bologna factory adapts without its figurehead.
But the talk of the paddock remains Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) — MotoGP’s newest sensation. The 20-year-old Spaniard made headlines in Indonesia by becoming the second-youngest premier class winner in history, behind only Marquez himself. A proven victor at Phillip Island in Moto2™ back in 2023, Aldeguer now returns to one of his strongest circuits, eager to continue his astonishing rookie campaign.
APRILIA’S UP-AND-DOWN YEAR: Bezzecchi Looks to Rebound
It’s been a rollercoaster season for Aprilia Racing, and Marco Bezzecchi’s recent heartbreak in Indonesia was a brutal reminder of how quickly fortunes can shift. A Lap 1 collision with Marquez ended what looked to be a podium challenge, costing valuable points in his pursuit of third overall.
Bezzecchi aims to bounce back at Phillip Island — a circuit that rewards bravery and rhythm, both hallmarks of his riding style. With Jorge Martin still sidelined through injury, Lorenzo Savadori is expected to fill in once again.
Meanwhile, the Trackhouse Aprilia squad enjoyed an encouraging weekend in Mandalika. Raul Fernandez returned to the rostrum in the Sprint and followed it with a strong P6 on Sunday, marking his best double result of the year. If teammate Ai Ogura passes his fitness test, Aprilia could once again find both bikes inside the top ten on The Island.
KTM’S LATE-SEASON SURGE: Eyes on the Podium
The second half of 2025 has seen KTM rediscover its edge, and the results speak for themselves — two KTMs inside the top four in Indonesia, for the second time in just four rounds.
Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) continues to impress, finishing runner-up at Mandalika and trimming his deficit to Bezzecchi in the standings to just 39 points. The young Spaniard isn’t out of the hunt for third overall yet. Teammate Brad Binder, meanwhile, recorded his best Sunday finish of the year with P4 and will look to add another Phillip Island podium to his résumé after consistently strong showings there in past seasons.
Enea Bastianini (Red Bull KTM Tech3) will also be eager to bounce back after a DNF in Indonesia. The Italian was on the Sprint podium at Phillip Island last year and knows he has the pace to challenge. He’ll be joined this weekend by Pol Espargaro, stepping in for the recovering Maverick Viñales following his Sachsenring injury.
THE OUTSIDERS: The Battle for Fifth and Beyond
While the top positions command headlines, the fight for the top five in the championship is equally fierce. Pedro Acosta now sits ahead of Franco Morbidelli and Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team), both of whom have struggled to return to the podium since Mugello.
Fresh off his historic victory, Aldeguer is closing in on Di Giannantonio, while Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) remains within striking distance, searching for his first top-six finish on Australian soil.
Last year’s Phillip Island winner Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR) also features in the mix, with teammate Somkiat Chantra quietly building momentum through a string of points finishes. Fellow Yamaha riders Alex Rins and Jack Miller (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP) are both ones to watch — especially Miller, who always finds another gear in front of his home crowd. A podium finisher in 2019 and a victory contender in 2022, expect him to go full-throttle again.
Elsewhere, Luca Marini (Honda HRC Castrol) and Joan Mir continue to show flashes of podium pace, while Miguel Oliveira (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP) will hope to turn recent consistency into a standout result.
MOTO2™: Title Battle Blown Wide Open
Few expected such drama in the Moto2™ title chase, but the championship narrative flipped on its head in Indonesia. A post-race disqualification for leader Manuel Gonzalez (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) has slashed his lead to just nine points over Diogo Moreira (Italtrans Racing Team) heading into Australia.
Moreira’s third win of the season has reignited the South American’s campaign, while Aron Canet (Fantic Racing) also capitalized, inheriting third in Mandalika and moving within 33 points of the lead. Both Canet and Moreira have podium form at Phillip Island — a warning shot for Gonzalez, who suddenly finds himself under pressure.
Further back, Barry Baltus and Jake Dixon remain mathematical outsiders, but with 100 points still up for grabs, anything can happen. Australian fans will have an extra reason to cheer with Senna Agius (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) looking to repeat his 2024 podium performance on home soil.
MOTO3™: The Battle for Silver and Rookie Glory
The 2025 Moto3™ title may already belong to Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo), but the fight for second — and Rookie of the Year — is still burning hot.
With David Muñoz (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) sidelined after a heavy crash in Indonesia, the focus shifts to Angel Piqueras (FRINSA MT Helmets – MSI) and Maximo Quiles (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team). Just 14 points separate the two, and both are determined to secure the silver medal position. Quiles also leads the rookie standings by 60 points over Alvaro Carpe (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and could mathematically clinch that title this weekend.
Local fans will once again rally behind Joel Kelso (LEVELUP MTA), who’s rediscovered his form in recent rounds and will aim to repeat his 2023 Phillip Island podium. Fellow Australian Jacob Roulstone (Red Bull KTM Tech3) arrives fresh off a personal best P5 in Mandalika — giving the home crowd two reasons to raise the roof this weekend.
All Eyes on The Island
Phillip Island has seen it all — legendary last laps, unforgettable victories, and chaos brought by the ever-changing Southern Ocean weather. Whether bathed in sunshine or lashed by rain, this track never disappoints.
With titles still up for grabs and local heroes ready to thrill, the Liqui Moly Australian Motorcycle Grand Prixpromises to be another classic. Buckle up — The Island awaits.
Official MotoGP
