Philip Island was the venue for Round 14 of Motogp and the worlds best turned out to put on a show that will not be forgotten! At least it was dry. No, wait, it was wet. No, wait, it got dry again!

It started out a fine and slightly overcast Phillip island day. Tyres were picked out for a such an occasion, but then, while waiting to go out for the warm up – the heavens opened up – but only slightly. Should we put on wets or stick with our slicks? The new rule for tyres and wet weather meant that if it started to rain, the riders could come into the pits during the race and change bikes to ride out the race on the more suitable compound. Everyone stuck to their slicks but the pit crew had the spare with wets ready.


Shinya Nakano got a blinder of a start on his Kawasaki and pulled out a 5 second gap over the first 2 laps! Still in front by lap 6, the other riders all deciding to pit and switch to their wets, Nakano stayed out in the treacherous conditions for the extra lap, no doubt believing that this extra lap in front would give him an unstoppable gap. Not to be as after he pitted the next lap and rejoined the race in second behind Sete Gibernau. As the rain came down, Nakano slid back through the pack eventually finishing in 8th.

Australian Chris Vermuelen came charging from behind to slot nicely into second place and even put in a good bid for the lead. Not to be though with the Aussie ending the race with his best finish to date – Second behind Marco Melandri.

Melandri came flying through the pack and had the lead by lap 16 and eventually finished up winning by over 10 seconds.

Rossi came from a shocker of a start, back in 10th, to eventually take the last podium spot by the last lap. This was crucial to Rossi’s World Championship bid as he is still well behind on points form the Championship points leader, American Nicky Hayden.


Round 15 goes to Japan and with Rossi well and truly back in the running for the Championship, should make for some exciting racing!