In the second of three consecutive races for the Repsol Honda Team riders, they face the demanding and beautiful Phillip Island circuit with optimism
The sixteenth round of the 2023 MotoGP calendar takes place this weekend at the Phillip Island circuit, a track where both Marc Márquez and Joan Mir are previous winners.
The eight-time World Champion won there in 125, was on the podium in his two years in Moto2 –where he even clinched the title– and has 3 further victories in MotoGP: In 2015, 2017 and 2019.
His Repsol Honda teammate achieved victory there in Moto3 and was on the podium in Moto2.
Both will try to recover the good feelings they have shown in recent races, despite not having seen it reflected in their results.
MARC MÁRQUEZ:
“Phillip Island is a circuit with a lot of good memories for me. The place is something really unique on the MotoGP calendar and I have also enjoyed many memorable races there. Last year we got a really good podium there, my 100th in the premier class. As always, we have to see what happens this weekend and especially here in Australia the weather can change a lot and the wind can make things complicated. It will be important to have a good plan for all scenarios.”
JOAN MIR:
“I think everyone enjoys Phillip Island, so I am looking forward to getting there. On paper Indonesia didn’t look great but honestly, when you look deeper and especially at our pace on Sunday – we need to see the positives and look to make it happen again this weekend. Now we come to one of those tracks where almost anything can happen, on track and in the sky, so let’s begin! It’s an intense schedule to end the year so we have to keep focused to finish well.”
