Newly crowned five-time World Champion back in action at Phillip Island. Nicky Hayden will replace the injured Dani Pedrosa in the Repsol Honda Team this weekend.
- Marc Marquez holds two wins at Philip Island (2010 in 125cc and 2015 in MotoGP) and two podiums in Moto2 (2012 and 2011).
- Marquez has scored points in 15 consecutive races –the most recent 2 being victories.
- Nicky Hayden last rode with the Repsol Honda team at the 2008 Valencia GP.
Marc Marquez has had little time to celebrate the fifth World Championship, won last Sunday in Japan, as this weekend he takes on Round 16 of the MotoGP season. The series heads to Phillip Island for the Australian GP, where the Spaniard took a thrilling victory last year. He comes into the 2016 race with the pressure off, having lifted the title with three races remaining. Meanwhile, teammate Dani Pedrosa has already been discharged from hospital following successful surgery on his right collarbone last Saturday. On Wednesday he will have a follow-up appointment with his doctors. He will be replaced in the Repsol Honda Team this weekend by Nicky Hayden, winner of the 2006 World Championship with the team, currently competing in World Superbikes for Honda.
Marc Marquez
“It’s fantastic to arrive at Phillip Island with no pressure for the Championship, as the track is one of my favourite in the calendar, along with Austin and Aragon. It’s so fast and flowing and you really have a lot of fun riding there. One of the main issues to take into account there is the weather. It’s usually very cold during this period of the year and always windy, something that you feel a lot, especially at the end of the final straight. You have to find a setup to make the bike as stable as possible. We’ll try to win some more races before the end of the year as there are also the Constructors and the Team titles to think of.”
Dani Pedrosa
“I felt a strong pain for a few days after the operation, but things are starting to get a little bit better now. I left the hospital and I have a check-up scheduled for Wednesday. Only after that will I have a better idea about the recovery time and about when I’ll be able to get back on my bike. I wish also to congratulate Marc [Marquez] and Honda for the title achievement”.
Nicky Hayden
“First of all my best wishes to Dani [Pedrosa], I’m sure he will come back stronger than ever like he always does. For me it’s crazy hard work but it’s a chance, ten year after winning my World Title, to get back to my old “dream team”! Doing a week-end in Phillip Island on a factory Honda, it’s pretty emotional for me to even think about it, and I’m very grateful for this opportunity and the trust that Honda gives me. I want also to thank my current team, for allowing me to go and do this, and the sponsors. Everybody worked a lot on every detail to make it possible for me so now I’m excited to get on a plane, to get down to Phillip Island and hopefully I can do a good job for the team. Regarding Phillip Island there are two things to always consider, the weather and the tyres but it’s a track I love and I can’t wait to ride the bike there. Let’s get started on Friday morning and go forward”.
