Francesco Bagnaia has thrown down the gauntlet to Fabio Quartararo ahead of the Australian MotoGP by warning he doesn’t need Ducati team orders to win the championship.
Marc Marquez has shrugged off the coincidence of a third retirement during the Australian MotoGP race directly after sealing the world title the round before in Japan and had been confident of having the pace to win at Phillip Island.
In a race which will be remembered for a dramatic clash between Marc Marquez and Johann Zarco, Suzuki’s Alex Rins says a collision with race-winner Maverick Vinales hurt his Australian MotoGP charge but took the sole solace of fifth place from Valentino Rossi on the final lap.
Valentino Rossi has pinpointed both Andrea Iannone and Marc Marquez as the pair with the performance edge going into the Australia MotoGP but is confident of challenging for the podium after practice breakthroughs.
Andrea Iannone has predicted a six-way battle for victory at the Australia MotoGP and accepts a first pole position in over two years slipped away in the mixed conditions.
Full MotoGP FP3 results from Phillip Island Marc Marquez has topped the third practice session at Phillip Island despite a small off midway through the session.
Despite seeing a resurgence from his fellow Yamaha riders, Valentino Rossi feels he has key development and set-up work to refine at Phillip Island as he continues to battle spinning his rear tyre under acceleration.
Cal Crutchlow will miss the remainder of the Australian MotoGP round after his heavy crash in the second free practice session in which he sustained a broken ankle which requires surgery.