Movistar Yamaha MotoGP Prepare to Push on Phillip Island

Setup

Maverick Viñales had little time to rest after last weekend's Japanese Grand Prix. The Movistar Yamaha MotoGP team arrived in Victoria, Australia, just a few days later for the second race of the triple header.

Viñales continues to show great determination as he enters round 16 of the MotoGP World Championship on Phillip Island, one of his favourite circuits. Currently third in the championship standings, he aims to keep fighting to close in on the rider in second place, who is 30 points ahead of him.

The Spaniard got to lift a trophy after a race in Australia three times prior. He scored a Moto3 second place in 2013, secured a Moto2 win the year after, and stood on the premier class podium last year celebrating a third place.

Phillip Island began staging motorcycle races in 1931 and became a permanently constructed circuit in 1956. It continued to host motorcycle Grand Prix events until an extensive renovation took place in 1968. The circuit made an intermediate comeback in 1989-1990, to become a regular fixture once more from 1997 onwards. Thanks to its terrific location, right next to the ocean, and its flowing lay-out (featuring seven left and five right corners and a 900m longest straight), the Phillip Island track is a very popular destination for MotoGP fans, who travel from far and wide to cheer on their heroes.

Maverick Viñales

Championship: 3rd - Points: 203

"We did our best in Japan, but unfortunately it wasn't enough. Now it's time to focus on Australia in order to make another important step for the championship. For me, Phillip Island is one of my favourite tracks, I like the lay-out a lot and I love being here, it's amazing. When I was here in February I was the fastest on my YZR-M1, so I'm really motivated for the race. The championship isn't over until all the points have been distributed, so anything is still possible and I can't wait to be on the bike again to give my 100%."

Massimo Meregalli

Movistar Yamaha MotoGP - Team Director

"The team has travelled straight to Australia after the race in Motegi. Last Sunday didn't go according to plan, but we have another race to look forward to this weekend. We will use the Japanese GP as a source of motivation to get good results at the Phillip Island circuit, which is one of the team's favourite tracks on the MotoGP calendar. Not only does the sweeping lay-out suit our bike more, but also the atmosphere there - with the track being so close to the shore - is really enjoyable. Earlier this year, we collected quite a lot of data during the pre-season test on Phillip Island and this week we will add on to it. We look forward to putting the free practice time to good use, and hope to hit the ground running on Friday."