Wild weather has forced Australian MotoGP qualifying and the race into one demanding day, but eight-time world champion Marc Marquez won’t change his approach as he guns for a sixth-straight pole position at Phillip Island.
Saturday’s qualifying sessions were cancelled after strong winds and rain lashed the circuit, with qualifying rescheduled for Sunday morning, just hours before the 3pm AEST race start.
The fourth practice session was red-flagged soon after a wind gust sent Miguel Oliveira tumbling into the gravel at Doohan Corner, which is at the end of the Gardner Straight where riders usually reach speeds around 330km/h.
As the Portuguese rider was taken to the medical centre, a safety commission meeting was convened where riders voted 19-3 to abandon racing for the rest of the day.
Fighting for positions on the final grid the same day as the race isn’t ideal but Marquez isn’t fazed by the prospect of doing so, even with more inclement weather forecast.
“Mentally, you need to be convinced that you will go into the corners (normally),” Marquez said.
“This is something that you must just believe … it’s not a special preparation.
“It’s not the first time here at Phillip Island where the wind has been very strong.”
Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) suffered minor injuries in the fall and will race on Sunday, subject to a medical review.
Local hope Jack Miller (Pramac Racing Ducati) was one of three riders keen to brave the elements, but begrudgingly accepted the majority vote.
However, the Queenslander, finishing fifth in the only free practice not adversely affected by the weather, isn’t a fan of the rescheduled qualifying sessions.
“I didn’t really understand that … I think it would’ve been better to go off the (second free practice) results,” Miller said.
“Of course, I benefit, but it was basically a qualifying session.
“I just hope that we have some better weather tomorrow and we can give these Australian fans the show that they deserve.”
If the inclement weather continues, Miller will likely get his wish, with the fastest times across the three free practice sessions used to determine pole position and the rest of the grid if qualifying is cancelled.
If that does happen, Spaniard Maverick Vinales will start from pole.
The factory Yamaha star topped the standings in all three free practice sessions ahead of the 27-lap race.