Looking onto the sea, the track of Phillip Island is the essence of motorcycle racing: unique, splendid, technical. The track is situated on an island inside of Melbourne Bay. A Natural Reserve, the island is a tourist destination as every day hundreds of people flock to see the Penguin Parade. Completely respecting the surrounding nature, the track hosts a minimal amount of races and even the testing days are limited. The track managers do in fact liaise with the local island residents regarding the hours and days the track will be open each year. Phillip island has the feel of a classic track. A simple track that has only essential structures, there are no grandstands on the finishing line like you would normally find on modern tracks. Here the grey tracks blend in with the green hills it is surrounded by. There is nothing surrounding the track, only grassy hills and the blue of the sea. Adding onto the imposing beauty of the surrounding areas is the design of the track: technical and complete. A track which exalts the riders capability. The track expertly mixes quick parts with slow ones, it has very strong acceleration points, violent braking, changes in slopes and direction. You can overtake in many points and the highest area is the favourite amongst the riders. The track requires extra special attention when choosing tyres as they are especially put under pressure by the presence of many quick left hand corners. Strong acceleration together with agility in corners is the secret to take on one of the best races of the season. SETE GIBERNAU AND THE TRACK OF PHILLIP ISLAND With the GP of Qatar behind him, Sete returns to the Australian track where last year he started from pole position and ended second on the podium. “The track of Phillip Island is one of the quickest and most spectacular of the championship. It is fun to ride and it is very technical. I know it well as we often test here in the winter. During the pre season tests I went very quick, we have very interesting data references, useful for the setup of the bike. I am confident for the Australian GP. I am convinced that as soon as we are able to overcome this difficult period with a positive result, we will go back to being stronger than ever.” SETE’S COMMENTS ABOUT THE TRACK “Phillip Island has some of the quickest corners of the championship and is spectacular and fun to rider here, both for riders and spectators alike. It is a very technical circuit, one that needs to really be ridden, which requires a perfect bike setup. The main incognito is the weather as the climate can change quite rapidly. In fact in just a few moments you can go from sunshine to rain. Another constant of this track is the wind, which is normally very strong and comes from the ocean. Which is your favourite part of the track Phillip Island is one of the tracks I prefer, it is very complete. The track is a fantastic combination of slow and fast corners, changes of direction etc. There is a bit of everything! Which is the best point to overtake? The two hairpins. What is the secret to a good lap? On this track it is fundamental to have a good setup. Phillip Island requires a non aggressive ride, it is important to follow the correct line. Your fondest memory? My pole position in 2004, it was my fifth pole of the season. MARCO MELANDRI AND THE CHALLENGE OF PHILLIP ISLAND Marco Melandri takes on his 15th round of the season on a track which is a friendly one for this rider from Ravenna. Phillip Island is in fact one of his favourite tracks. On this track Marco conquered his World Championship title in the 250cc in 2002 when he was only 20, becoming then the youngest ever rider to conquer a world title. Marco is ready to race in Australia. It is on this track in fact that Marco did much of his pre season testing on board of his RC211V with Michelin tyres. The data gathered in March will be an important reference point when setting up the bike. “I can’t wait to go back racing after the fantastic race disputed in Doha. After a bit of a difficult moment I finally got back onto the podium. The GP of Qatar was an important race even when thinking of championship standings, I am now third again and I am ready to give my best. I am coming to a track I really like, I am full of energy and very relaxed as well. After the GP of Qatar I went straight to Australia, Brisbane to be exact for one week of complete relaxation on the beach!” MARCO COMMENTS THE TRACK OF PHILLIP ISLAND “Phillip Island is one of my favourite tracks. It is beautiful, there are some of the quickest corners of all of the MotoGP championship, just think from corner 3 to corner 12. Which is you favourite section? From Siberia to Lukey Heights, this is the section that really makes the track famous. Which is the slowest part? The MG corner The best place to over take? The braking on the MG corner an the H hairpin The secret to a quick lap? Here you really need a load of courage on this track as it is very fast with lost of ascents and descents. What atmosphere do you find there? The Australian race is the best over seas race. Many fans assist the event. Not only the people, but the place is beautiful as well and I always love to go back. Which is your fondest memory of this track? The 2002 GP when I won the World title in the 250cc Class Your worse memory? In 2003 I fell but my worse race was last year when I had to stop as I had a problem with my eye. I was very upset as I could have disputed a great race.” THE TRACK Name of the circuit: Phillip Island Opened: 1956 Last modified: 1988 Length: 4.448 m Width: 13 m Pole position: left Right corners: 5 Left corners: 7 Longest straight: 900 m RECORD: Track record: 2004 Capirossi (Ducati) 1’31″102 pole position: 2004 Gibernau (Honda) 1’30″122 2004 race: 1st Rossi (Yamaha) 2nd Gibernau (Honda) 3rd Capirossi (Ducati)