This weekend sees the Australian Grand Prix meeting at Phillip Island and the first chance of three for Casey Stoner to clinch his 2nd world championship. Basically, he has to win and Lorenzo needs to finish off the podium. I’m not betting that that will happen, actually, the second bit anyway. Stoner is at unbackable odds to win his 5th AGP, though and will have the ever-partisan crowd willing him on.
Universally loved by riders and spectators alike, PI combines blinding speed with technical corners and the always-unpredictable weather thrown in.
In the minor classes, neither leaders can clinch the title this weekend, but Terol can put a hand firmly on the trophy with another good performance in the 125’s. Momentum is (finally) with Zarco but the experience and killer instinct of the Martinez team rider should see him leave PI with an almost unassailable lead. In Moto2 the same situation exists, but it’s much closer. Marquez has finally wrestled the lead away from Bradl after trailing all season and, as with Zarco, he has the momentum. One can’t help wondering if Bradl’s team hasn’t dropped the ball a little in the last few races, perhaps the distraction of trying to find a MotoGp home for Stefan next season? In any event it will be tight with the young Spaniard exhibiting all the killer instinct necessary to keep the German in 2nd place. Rumours of Marquez’s possible signing at LCR next year on a “factory” bike just won’t go away.
In Portugal, the Portimao circuit plays host to the last round of the WSBK championship for 2011. With both major titles already decided the pressure is off except for riders still juggling for a ride for next year. Australia’s Jed Metcher can win the Superstock 600 class with a good performance on the weekend, though.
Disappointing news overnight that none of the Antipodean riders were selected for the 2012 Red Bull Rookies Cup despite three being in the final 55. Remy Gardner, son of 1987 World 500cc Champion, Wayne, was one who missed out. He’ll now stay in Spain and try and win the Spanish championship in 2012 and hope for a Moto3 ride the following year. News also in the Arthur Sissis HAS secured a Moto3 ride for 2012, I don’t have full details yet, just that in from Remy’s Facebook page.
Bring on the weekend!