Intense Weather on Phillip Island Sparks Debate on Rescheduling MotoGP
Intense weather conditions at Phillip Island have sparked significant discussions regarding the potential for rescheduling events during the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix. The Bureau of Meteorology has issued warnings of damaging winds on Sunday, expected to reach between 35km/h and 50km/h.
Forecast and Schedule
As it stands, the MotoGP race is set for Sunday at 2 PM AEDT, while the MotoGP sprint is scheduled for Saturday at 3 PM AEDT. On Saturday, Moto2 and Moto3 will also qualify and race, respectively.
Historical Context of Rescheduling
Rescheduling isn’t unprecedented at the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix. In 2023, organizers had to bring Sunday’s grand prix forward to Saturday due to similar wind conditions. This year’s forecasts mirror those of two years ago, with predicted wind speeds exceeding 50km/h.
- 2023 Moto3 race held in wet conditions
- Shortened Moto2 race due to inclement weather
- MotoGP sprint cancellation in bad weather
Concerns from Riders
Factory Ducati rider Francesco Bagnaia has voiced his concerns, suggesting that the race be moved to Saturday. “The wind already felt at the limit today,” he noted. “Sunday could be very tricky, similar to past events.”
Honda’s Luca Marini emphasized the risks, especially for Moto2 riders. “It’s important to make decisions before accidents happen,” he cautioned. “We don’t want a repeat of past incidents.”
Pramac rider Miguel Oliveira also supports the idea of rescheduling. He stated, “If the wind gusts exceed 60km/h, it will be challenging to race. Prioritizing safety is crucial.”
Upcoming Meeting
A meeting is scheduled for tonight at Phillip Island to evaluate the weather forecast and discuss possible schedule adjustments. The Australian Grand Prix Corporation has been approached for further updates.
