Fresh from the gruelling Japanese Grand Prix, Monster Yamaha Tech 3 rider Johann Zarco is confidently eyeing up the second back-to-back race at the legendary Phillip Island circuit.
The high-flying rookie had a strong weekend in Japan, where he clinched his second pole position of the year.
Last winter, he produced some impressive performances at the Australian track during the testing, and as a result, he firmly targets a top-tier finish this Sunday.
"The Australian Grand Prix is already approaching, immediately after Japan, and Phillip Island is a wonderful track which I think every rider loves,โ he said. โI really like it too because it's very impressive to ride.โ
โI am happy that we tested here at the beginning of the season when I was discovering the bike, but now that I have more experience, I am curious to see how competitive I will be this time.โ
โLet's see what happens with the weather, because it can be very cold in that region during October. So I will take it easy but the race in Japan was good, as was the whole weekend, so I need to stay on the pace and I hope for a nice result in Australia."
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.
