MotoGP 2003 - Round 15 - Phillip Island

Three times MotoGP World Champion Valentino Rossi (Repsol Honda RC211V) heads to Phillip Island determined to make the most of a season where he has had to work harder than ever to retain his status as the number one rider in the world. But his erstwhile rivals Sete Gibernau (Telefonica Movistar Honda RC211V) and Max Biaggi (Camel Pramac Pons RC211V) still have second place to fight for and will, as ever, make life less than easy for the champ.

MotoGP makes the last of three ‘flyaway’ temporary encampments at Phillip Island, 130km south east of Melbourne in Australia this weekend for the penultimate race of the 16 Grands Prix season. This is the third of three back-to-back races that test teams to the maximum in terms of human endurance and logistical expertise.

Rossi has cemented his reputation as one the all-time greats with his third consecutive World Championship and the Repsol Honda Team has clinched the new Team Championship. Honda has also wrapped up the Manufacturers title. But the competitive edge remains as sharp as ever.

Phillip Island is a place where talent shines and riders know that to be fast at this bleak but beautiful and far-flung environment requires the utmost commitment – titles have been won and lost here. Part of that is due to the race calendar and accumulated points. Much else is due to the demanding nature of the track.

The 4.488km track hosted the first Australian motorcycle Grand Prix in 1989 and the contests have rarely been less than spectacular. Much of that is down to the layout of the track. Another element is the fulsome participation of the committed crowd. The end of season atmosphere cannot be discounted either.

But as well as the dispute for the runner-up honours in the premier class much is at stake in the smaller categories too. The 250 title is still up for grabs and notwithstanding Daniel Pedrosa (Telefonica Movistar Junior Team RS125R) having already lifted the World 125cc Championship, that class will continue to provide racing of the highest calibre whenever the gantry lights go green.

But, as ever, it’s the technicalities of the tarmac and the riders’ approaches to the event that are of primary importance.

“It’s sometimes difficult to restart after such a great weekend,” says Rossi. “But I love Phillip Island. I’ve had great experiences there and we’ll try for another good result. The bike works so well at the moment and we’ll just try to have some fun for the rest of the season. I want to get on the podium for every race this season and that is my motivation now we’ve won the title and the team Championship.”

But the track is a tough one and tyre wear is a huge issue. The two left-hand turns onto the main straight are punishing on rubber and machine set-up is directed as conserving tyres. But there are so many fast changes of direction on this circuit and sustained periods of high lean angle that riders have to prepare for late laps when grip has all but evaporated.

Nicky Hayden (Repsol Honda RC211V) is prepared. “When I tested here at the start of the year I really enjoyed it,” said the American rookie. “The track, the atmosphere, the ocean in the background makes it special. The layout is great and the big left-handers are real fun. I want to finish my first MotoGP season on a high and I just want to up the momentum.”

Sete Gibernau has it all to ride for having proved to be Rossi’s main rival this season. “I’ve got two races left to win although the title is over,” said the Spaniard. “And I’ll give it my best shot as always. I’ll have the support of a great team behind me like I’ve had all season and like most riders I relish the challenge of this track.”

Max Biaggi too is geared to go. “I want to finish my season well,” said the Roman Rossi rival. “I’ll try to get some revenge there, although he (Rossi) is a great rider and has had a top-level season. The track is one of my favourites although I won’t leave from Malaysia for a while because I’ve heard it’s quite freezing there. I’ll arrive on Wednesday morning!”

Tohru Ukawa (Camel Pramac Pons RC211V) is ready too. “When you test there in winter the weather is always good, but when you race there it’s windy and cold,” he said. “This year we haven’t tested there, but we still have an idea what to expect. Last year I was third on the podium, and I’ll be trying to better that this year. Tyre choice is always crucial here, because they get a really hard time.”

For Makoto Tamada (Pramac Honda RC211V) Phillip Island represents a chance to continue the progress the Japanese rookie has made this year. “Last year Jeremy McWilliams got pole, so we know we have capability for good lap times here,” he said. “And we’ll be hoping for a repeat result in qualifying – and in the race.”

In the 250 class Roberto Rolfo (Fortuna Honda RS250RW) will continue his determined bid to snatch the 250 crown with his resolute and consistent style. “I like the Phillip Island track very much,” he said. “The circuit has some fast sections where you need a fast engine but the corners there will allow me to exploit the handling qualities of my Fortuna Honda. The Championship is not over and I am still in there fighting. Everything is possible until the very last chance has gone.”

Honda hotshot Sebastian Porto (Telefonica Movistar Junior Team RS250RW) will give it everything too. “Phillip Island I like very much, in fact it’s one of my favourite circuits,” said the Argentine rider. “The track has everything, it’s a real rider’s circuit and I have done well there in the past. I don’t have a favourite section – I like every aspect of the place. My bike will work well there, even if I do need a little more power. I also like Australia very much and that helps a lot.”

Dani Pedrosa, the new 125cc World Champion from the Telefonica Movistar Honda Junior Team is relaxed and raring to go. “Phillip Island is a good track, but it’s very difficult for a 125,” he said. “The gearing is very difficult to get right because of the wind. It helps you going in one direction but hurts you going the other way. Nobody really has an advantage at Phillip Island because so much of the track is in fifth and sixth gear, full open on the gas running up to the last corner and down the front straight, and also at the back of the circuit. Slipstreaming is very, very important. The only problem is the wind – it’s a little dangerous sometimes, very much so when it comes from the side. The races are always really good for the fans and television because they are always close.”

Thomas Luthi (Elit Grand Prix Honda RS125R) is keen to build on a fine first full season of top level competition. “Phillip Island is not an easy track for me,” said the Swiss teenager. “Last year was not so bad for me and I enjoyed racing there but the wind was a big problem. I’m very light and I got caught you by the wind and crashed three times! Slipstreaming is very important at that track and I have to improve the way I use slipstreaming. My bike is really working well now, the engine is good and that’s important at Phillip Island. I’m looking forward to the race.”

Andrea Dovizioso (Team Scot Honda RS125R) will be going all-out out to secure a high finish in the points table. The Italian currently lies fourth. “All Grand Prix riders like racing at Phillip Island and for sure I have a good feeling when I’m there,” he said. “If everything is okay with the bike I’m sure I can finish in the top five. The only problem we face is with the wind but it’s the same for everybody.”