AUSTRALIA: In response to impending adverse weather conditions, race organizers Dorna have announced significant adjustments to the schedule for the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix.
Following Saturday morning’s MotoGP qualifying session, start times for all three classes have been moved up by an hour, aiming to dodge the worst of the predicted rain and high winds set to hit Phillip Island.
The highly anticipated MotoGP sprint race, originally slated for 2 p.m. local time, will now kick off at 1 p.m., ensuring the safety of riders and the smooth progression of the event.
With gusts of up to 80 km/h (50 mph) in the forecast, these precautionary measures are crucial to maintain competitive yet secure racing conditions.
In addition, 10-minute warm-up sessions have been reintroduced for both Moto2 and Moto3, enabling riders to acclimate themselves to the prevailing conditions at full racing speeds. This strategic adaptation comes after the omission of warm-ups for these classes from the 2023 schedule.
The Moto3 warm-up session is scheduled for 8 am, followed by Moto2 at 8:20 am, and MotoGP at 8:40 am. This proactive approach aims to equip riders with the necessary preparation to navigate the challenging weather.
The revised schedule now features the Moto3 race commencing at 10 am, followed by Moto2 at 11:15 am, and the MotoGP sprint race at 1 pm, with the main race shifted to Saturday at 3:10 pm.
A statement from Dorna emphasized that these changes were implemented “to avoid the worst of the weather which is forecast to arrive at some time after 2 pm”.
These alterations ensure that a substantial 25 points will be at stake at Phillip Island, even if the sprint race, awarding 12 points for a win, cannot be held on Sunday.
These timely adjustments underscore the commitment of organizers to prioritize the safety and integrity of the race, ensuring a thrilling yet secure spectacle for both participants and fans alike.
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