Storm Threatens Final Phillip Island MotoGP Weekend as Martin and Marquez Battle for Title

An era ends at Phillip Island this weekend — and the weather may not cooperate with the send-off. The 2026 Australian Grand Prix, running October 23-25, will be the final MotoGP race at the seaside circuit after three decades, with the event moving to an Adelaide street circuit from 2027 under a multi-year deal. The Victorian government declined Dorna's Albert Park request, drawing criticism from Casey Stoner.

On track, the title duel could not be tighter: Aprilia's Jorge Martin leads Ducati's Marc Marquez by just two points, 355 to 353, with five rounds remaining. But heavy rain threatens everything — a 100 percent chance on Sunday with 10 to 30 millimetres, and near-certain showers during Saturday qualifying. Fabio Di Giannantonio revealed that schedule alternatives have been discussed so the weekend runs "in the best conditions possible," echoing 2023, when the race was rescheduled to dodge a storm. Pecco Bagnaia admitted Saturday and Sunday "would be very difficult even to ride."

Honda is down to a single bike. Joan Mir misses his fourth straight race as he recovers from the illness that began at the San Marino Grand Prix in September, and test rider Aleix Espargaro cannot substitute due to chronic compartment syndrome, leaving Luca Marini as the lone factory entry.

For home hero Jack Miller, it is a farewell — his final Australian Grand Prix before switching to World Superbikes. "Phillip Island's giving itself a proper send-off," Miller said on Thursday. "I'm not angry about that."