Raul Fernandez expects to cry at final Phillip Island MotoGP

Separated by just two points after 17 rounds, Jorge Martin leads the 2026 MotoGP world championship standings over Marc Marquez, marking the equal-closest margin this deep into a season in world championship history, as Fox Sports reported. The premier class arrives at Phillip Island for the final Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix hosted at the circuit from October 23 to 25 before the event relocates to Adelaide in 2027.

Martin Leads Marquez Ahead of Final Phillip Island Race

Phillip Island has hosted the Australian Grand Prix since 1997 after first featuring on the calendar in 1989. Heading into the final weekend at the seaside circuit, Martin holds 355 points to Marquez’s 353 following a championship lead change at Mandalika. Marco Bezzecchi sits 46 points back from Martin in third place, 50 points clear of Ai Ogura in a tight three-horse title battle with five rounds remaining.

Reflecting on the impending farewell to the venue, Raul Fernandez admitted he will “cry a little bit” at this weekend’s final Australian Grand Prix. Fernandez claimed his maiden MotoGP victory at Phillip Island last year after inheriting the lead when Bezzecchi served a long-lap penalty, holding off Pedro Acosta, Alex Marquez, and Fabio di Giannantonio. Fernandez returns to the circuit fresh from securing a runner-up finish at Mandalika.

Aprilia Pace and Trackhouse Momentum

Aprilia arrives in Australia following a strong performance at Mandalika where Jorge Martin finished third. Fernandez attributed the bike’s success at the venue to its strong stability in fast corners. Ogura, who managed 13th at Phillip Island during his rookie campaign last year while recovering from injury, expects an improved weekend with a full season of MotoGP experience.

Jack Miller Makes Final Home Appearance at the Circuit

Australia’s Jack Miller prepares for his final home MotoGP appearance at the circuit before switching to World Superbikes with Yamaha for 2027, Fox Sports reported. Miller previously finished on the premier-class podium at the Island in 2019 and secured fourth in the Sprint last year. In the support classes, Senna Agius returns as the defending Moto2 race winner before graduating to MotoGP with KTM next season, while Darwin’s Joel Kelso competes in Moto3 for Honda after finishing second from pole position last year.

Coverage of the final Phillip Island weekend begins on Thursday, October 22, with practice sessions ahead of the 13-lap Sprint race on Saturday and the 27-lap grand prix on Sunday, according to Fox Sports. The Shannons Australian Superbike Championship presented by Pirelli headlines the support-race bill for the grand finale before the championship moves to Portugal and Valencia in November.

Additional Contenders and Broadcasters

Enea Bastianini sits two points behind Fermin Aldeguer in the overall top-ten battle, while Luca Marini trails a further 14 points back as he aims to maintain his streak of scoring points in every Grand Prix in 2026. Aussie fans can watch all actions live and ad-break free on Fox Sports Channel 505 and Kayo.

Disclaimer: The insights provided in this article are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or sports betting recommendations.