The forecast for Phillip Island is deteriorating, putting the Australian MotoGP timetable under scrutiny. Sunday carries the greatest risk, with a 100% chance of rain, 10 to 30 mm of expected rainfall and a maximum temperature of 18°C. Showers are forecast across the day and could interfere with all three Grand Prix races.

Fabio Di Giannantonio said on Thursday that discussions had already taken place about staging the races in the best possible conditions. The schedule itself remains unchanged for now: the Sprint is set for Saturday afternoon, while the Grand Prix is due to start at 14:00 local time on Sunday. Organisers are expected to watch how the forecast develops before deciding whether a revision is necessary.

Phillip Island has seen this before

Friday should bring sunshine and temperatures up to 26°C, although strong winds are also forecast. Saturday is expected to be cooler, with a 19°C maximum, a 95% chance of showers and 6 to 20 mm of rain. As the rain is most likely in the afternoon and evening, the Sprint may take place before the worst conditions arrive.

The circuit has already required a similar response. In 2023, warnings of gale-force winds, rain and low temperatures led to the MotoGP race being brought forward from Sunday to Saturday, swapping places with the Sprint. The Sprint was then cancelled on Sunday, while the Moto2 race was stopped in the heavy rain. This year’s weather carries extra significance because Jorge Martin and Marc Marquez are separated by just two points in the championship. It is also MotoGP’s final visit to Phillip Island before the Australian Grand Prix moves to Adelaide in 2027.