Just a few days after a very successful Motul Grand Prix of Japan, Johann Zarco and Hafizh Syahrin are on their way to Australia for the 17thround of the 2018 MotoGP World Championship season, which will see the green flags waving for FP1 at 11.55 local time (2.55 CET) on Friday.
Following a strong race in Motegi, Monster Yamaha Tech3 star Zarco is more than eager to arrive at Phillip Island to repeat his amazing rookie performance from last year, fighting at the top of the premier class in order to bring home as many points as possible, challenging the independent riders’ championship.
Meanwhile, MotoGP class rookie Syahrin arrives at the Island full motivated after his second top 10 finish of the year. With an amazing performance at the Japanese GP in his pocket, the Malaysian newcomer aims for a similar great result, before his much anticipated home round.
Hafizh Syahrin
Championship: 17th – Position: 34
“I’m looking forward to Phillip Island, because we’ve just done a very good race in Motegi and we are in great shape with the bike and had a decent rhythm. It’s not my best track, but I’ll try my best for sure. I aim to be in front of my rookie rivals in order to get closer in the points. But most of all, I hope to have good weather there.”
Hervé Poncharal
Monster Yamaha Tech3 – Team Manager
“We’ve just had time enough to pack everything at the circuit in Motegi, rush to Narita Tokyo airport and fly to the next round, which is in beautiful Phillip Island, Australia. Personally, myself and I think the whole Monster Yamaha Tech3 crew enjoy the three back-to-back races and it’s always a pleasure to fly to Phillip Island, which is such a beautiful place and has such a beautiful circuit. We can’t help thinking about the 2017 MotoGP race there when we arrive, because it was probably the best race of the last season and everybody is hoping the same thing will happen this year. Clearly, this is a circuit, which is always producing unbelievable racing. Johann was one of the masters last year in this race, one of the strongest riders. Unfortunately he lost the podium and a potential second position on the last straight like a few years ago – some of us might remember – was what happened to Nakano when he lost the 250cc World Championship title. Phillip Island is always a special place for this. We have to see what Hafizh, who just had an incredible strong and exciting race here in Japan, will do on the MotoGP bike there. I don’t think that it’s his favourite circuit, but anyway, we are already almost on the Island and we just can’t wait to start running there. The only thing, I would like to say is, that I hope for the whole paddock, for the spectators and people behind their TV that we’ll have a dry track and sunshine.”
Johann Zarco
Championship: 6th – Points: 133