Next stop Australia on ‘flyaway’ MotoGP tour
Phillip Island presents a fresh challenge for DRIVE M7 Aspar riders Nicky Hayden and Hiroshi Aoyama, who are showing great form as season reaches its climax
The MotoGP World Championship heads to the land of koalas, kangaroos and penguins this weekend as the planet’s premier motorcycle racing series adds an extra dimension to the stunning location of Phillip Island. The track, located on the clifftops over the Tasmanian Sea, is well known for its super fast and flowing layout and it has been one of the most popular venues on the calendar since its introduction in 1997. Over the years it has seen several champions crowned and even though this year’s title has already been claimed by Marc Marquez, victory at ‘The Island’ holds special significance for the man who makes it to the top step on Sunday. Valentino Rossi, Dani Pedrosa and Jorge Lorenzo will be particularly keen to do so this weekend as the battle for second place in the championship intensifies.
DRIVE M7 Aspar Team rider Hiroshi Aoyama has scored points in fourteen of the fifteen rounds so far in what is turning out to be one of his most productive seasons at the top level. The Japanese rider has been a model of consistency this season and as a result he lies fourteenth in the championship on 54 points – a tally he is confident he can add to this weekend. Despite missing several rounds through injury Nicky Hayden is just sixteen points and two positions behind his team-mate in the championship and after coming through the Motegi race without suffering any problems with his recently-operated wrist the DRIVE M7 Aspar Team rider is looking forward to racing even harder at Phillip Island.
Hiroshi Aoyama: “Thankfully I was able to enjoy a positive home race and I think the whole team came away from Japan feeling reinvigorated and full of motivation. It is always a long trip down to Australia, with barely any time to rest, but I don’t care because I love the country and the circuit too so I am looking forward to it. Phillip Island is a special track, different to anywhere else, with a variety of fast corners and some tight sections. You pretty much always have to put up with the cold and the wind but I am going into the next race in good form and feeling hopeful that we can continue to close the gap to the riders at the front.”
Nicky Hayden: “I am excited about racing at Phillip Island this weekend. I love the characteristics of the circuit and the atmosphere down in Australia. Japan was a big test for my wrist and it held up well, I was able to ride without any problems all weekend so I am sure it will be much better again in Australia. Gradually I am getting more and more strength back in my hand and soon I will be able to ride to my full capabilities again. This is a fast and flowing circuit so it won’t be as hard on my wrist as Motegi.”