Sunday’s programme at Phillip Island has been delayed after poor visibility left the medical helicopter unable to operate. The interruption affects the full Australian MotoGP schedule, not just the premier-class race, with track activity provisionally expected to resume at about 11am local time if conditions improve. MotoGP warm-up is due to be the first session back on track.

The decision comes as the most difficult weather of the weekend reaches the circuit. Friday remained dry, while Saturday morning brought showers that cleared before the afternoon Sprint. Marc Marquez won that Sprint, but Sunday is forecast to bring between 15 and 35mm of rain, along with strong winds and cool temperatures. Those conditions are expected to make the medical and operational requirements around the circuit more difficult.

The planned Sunday timetable

Before the delay, MotoGP warm-up was scheduled for 9:40am, followed by the Moto3 Grand Prix at 11am and the Moto2 race at 12:15pm. The Australian MotoGP race was due to start at 2pm. The revised plan places the MotoGP warm-up at the front of the programme once the helicopter can fly, meaning the timing and progression of the following sessions depend on when racing can safely restart.

MotoGP’s official notice linked the postponement directly to reduced visibility affecting the helicopter’s ability to fly. It said the warm-up would be the first expected session when conditions improved and that further updates would be issued after the situation had been confirmed. The statement did not turn the provisional 11am estimate into a guaranteed restart time.

Championship pressure alongside the weather

The delay also reshapes an important championship Sunday. Marquez arrives at the race with a 10-point World Championship lead over Jorge Martin, but Martin has been ruled out after fracturing his right forearm in Saturday’s Sprint. As a result, the weather disruption is unfolding alongside a significant change in the title picture: the leader has gained momentum with the Sprint victory, while his closest rival will not take part in the main race.

Phillip Island’s final Australian MotoGP race remains scheduled for 2pm local time, although the wider timetable must first absorb the delayed start and the expected deterioration in conditions. The opening warm-up, the sequence of the Moto3 and Moto2 races, and the main MotoGP event therefore remain tied to the safety decision governing Sunday’s restart.