10-points separate the top two contenders ahead of Phillip Island

With just 10 points separating the top two contenders, this race promises to be a pivotal moment in the championship battle.

Reigning champion Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) has narrowed the gap to Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) after a spectacular double victory at Motegi. The pressure is mounting as both riders seek their first win at Phillip Island, a track that has historically favored neither.

While Bagnaia and Martin dominate the headlines, Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) and Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) are not mathematically out of contention. Bastianini, with a best finish of P5 at the Island, will need a career-best performance to stay in the hunt. Marquez, on the other hand, boasts an impressive record at this track with four wins, three podiums, and a streak of pole positions rivaling Casey Stoner's. Could the eight-time world champion produce one last burst of brilliance to shake up the standings?

The Australian crowd will be firmly behind local hero Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), who showed promise at Motegi before fading to a top-ten finish. His teammate Brad Binder will be eager to bounce back from a disappointing Japanese Grand Prix.

Rookie sensation Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) arrives at Phillip Island with a point to prove after his rollercoaster weekend in Japan. Securing his first MotoGP™ pole position before crashing out in both the Sprint and the main race, Acosta's raw speed and determination make him a wild card for the Australian round.

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Veterans like Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) and Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) have shown flashes of brilliance at Phillip Island in the past. Their experience could prove crucial on a track that demands both bravery and finesse.

The inter-team battles within the Ducati camp add another layer of intrigue. Franco Morbidelli (Prima Pramac Racing) aims to extend his lead over Marco Bezzecchi and Fabio Di Giannantonio, while Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) looks to rebound after serving a Long Lap penalty in Japan.

Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR), last year's winner in a thrilling finish, leads the Honda contingent by eight points. Can he recreate that magic and give Honda something to celebrate in an otherwise challenging season?

As riders like Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) prepare for their final appearance at this Grand Prix classic, the stage is set for a weekend of high-stakes racing. With the championship on the line and the unpredictable nature of Phillip Island, fans can expect nothing short of spectacular action.

The addition of the Tissot Sprint to the Australian Grand Prix weekend adds an extra dimension of excitement and uncertainty. As the sun sets on the 2024 season, Phillip Island stands ready to write another chapter in MotoGP history. Who will emerge victorious, and who will see their title hopes fade into the Southern Ocean? The answers await us Down Under.