MONSTER ENERGY YAMAHA MOTOGP PREPARED TO FIGHT ON PHILLIP ISLAND
Phillip Island (Australia), 12th October 2022
Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP‘s Fabio Quartararo and Franco Morbidelli are all ready and fired up for Round 18, held at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit this weekend.
The Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP crew have travelled to Phillip Island, Victoria, for the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix. They have adapted a ’nothing to lose‘ attitude and are prepared to go head-to-head this weekend with their rivals to defend the 2022 championship title.
Fabio Quartararo has taken some time to recharge his batteries following the triple-header so he can be on full attack mode in the final three races of the 2022 season. The Frenchman has only ridden a MotoGP bike at the Phillip Island track once before, in 2019. Though taken out by another rider on the first lap that time round, he showed great speed throughout that weekend. El Diablo would like nothing better than a long overdue do-over, and he can count on his team‘s and Yamaha‘s full support. With three rounds to go and two points separating the championship leader from his closest rival in the standings, the Factory Yamaha team will leave no stone unturned to help the 23-year-old increase his lead this weekend.
Franco Morbidelli made further steps at the Thai GP, keeping his positive trajectory going. After a week off, which the Italian spent training Flat Track at the VR46 Motor Ranch back in Italy, he has travelled to Australia for one of his favourite rounds. Morbido is one of the many riders who are a fan of the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. He has good memories of this place: he stood on the rostrum here twice in a row, in 2016 and 2017, when he secured second and third place respectively in the Moto2 class. His best result in the MotoGP class here is an eighth place in 2018.
Phillip Island hosted its first motorcycle race in 1931. In 1956 a permanently constructed circuit continued to host motorcycle Grand Prix events until it fell into disrepair during the late 70s and early 80s. After extensive renovation, the circuit made an intermediate comeback in MotoGP from 1989 until 1990, to become a regular fixture once more from 1997 onwards. Thanks to its terrific location, right next to the ocean, and its flowing 4.4km lay-out, featuring seven left and five right corners, and a 900m longest straight, the Phillip Island track is loved by fans and MotoGP riders alike.
MASSIMO MEREGALLI
TEAM DIRECTOR
The previous race ended in a disappointing way for us, especially for Fabio, but with three GPs to go this is not a time to dwell on negativity. We have a job to do, and we will see to it with a positive attitude. It‘s been three years since we last visited Phillip Island, so all the teams need to go over data from 2019 to find a good base set-up to be able to hit the ground running on Friday morning. Historically it‘s a strong track for us. It suits the M1, and we are 100% dedicated to getting good results this weekend.
FABIO QUARTARARO
The result in Thailand was very disappointing. After Thailand I could focus on getting ready for this final part of the season. I‘ve spent the week training and preparing because the next two races are back to back, and they are going to be really important, but I don‘t feel worried. The championship is a level playing field now, so it‘s a matter of doing our best, working well together as a team, and scoring as many points as possible.
FRANCO MORBIDELLI
After the triple header, we all needed a week off to regain our energy and get everything in place for the final part of the championship. In the Thai GP, my pace was pretty good even in those very wet conditions. That could be important for the upcoming weekend because Phillip Island is known for having four seasons in one day. I‘m happy to be here though! I like this track, and the fans and the atmosphere are really nice too.
