Two weeks after the Indonesian Grand Prix and just before the Malaysian round, MotoGP heads to the spectacular Phillip Island circuit for the Liqui Moly Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix 2025.
Perched above the Indian Ocean, this 4.445 km track is famous for its flowing layout, high-speed corners, and coastal conditions that test both riders and tyres to the limit. The Grand Prix (27 laps) will start on Sunday, October 19, at 2:00 p.m. local time, preceded by the Tissot Sprint on Saturday at 3:00 p.m. (13 laps), with qualifying sessions taking place earlier that morning.
A demanding, spectacular track
Phillip Island remains a major technical challenge for every tyre manufacturer. It is truly a circuit apart — asymmetrical by design — where riders spend much of the lap leaned over on the left side. The left shoulder of the rear tyre is subjected to extreme stress: heat builds up quickly, mechanical loads are high, and durability must be exceptional. In contrast, the right-hand side sees far less action and therefore requires a very soft compound capable of instant warm-up to deliver grip from the very first right-hander.
The front tyre, though less stressed overall, still needs precise thermal control and stability, as the combination of cool air and moderate braking tends to reduce front temperatures. These conditions explain why all the tyres – front and rear – are asymmetrical, with a reinforced left shoulder. This configuration is only used at two other tracks on the calendar: Sachsenring (Germany) and Valencia (Spain).
A refined allocation based on 2024 experience
After last year's uncertainty with the new asphalt, Michelin now has solid data and has fine-tuned its allocation for 2025.
Riders will have a choice of three front tyres (Soft, Medium, Hard), identical to 2024, and two rear tyres, all of them asymmetrical with a reinforced left side.
The Soft rear from 2024 has been retained, while a new option – developed from last year's successful tests – joins the range. This combination is designed to better match the various riding styles and thermal conditions likely to be encountered throughout the weekend.
As always, Michelin will also supply MICHELIN Power Rain tyres in Soft and Medium compounds, featuring a symmetrical front and an asymmetrical rear (reinforced left side). This is a sensible precaution at Phillip Island, where weather changes can be both sudden and dramatic.
Piero Taramasso, Michelin Motorsport Two-Wheel Manager:
"Phillip Island is probably the most demanding circuit of the entire championship. Every year it's a special challenge, as this layout combines multiple factors that push our tyres to the limit: long, fast corners, heavy lateral loads on the left side, very few right-handers, and often low temperatures.
Last year we brought an extended allocation to deal with the new asphalt, and everything went very well. That allows us this season to return to a more standard allocation, but still with asymmetrical tyres front and rear.
The real challenge here is to manage the temperature differences between the two sides of the tyre while ensuring consistent grip through those long, sweeping corners. The wind, which is often strong and cool, adds another variable – but we're confident. The data gathered last year gives us a solid foundation. Phillip Island is a truly special venue, where racing is almost always spectacular and the Australian fans bring a fantastic atmosphere. It's always a pleasure to come back here."
Unpredictable weather ahead
As is often the case in October, Australian weather looks set to be cool and changeable, with strong winds and possible rain. These conditions will make tyre flexibility and adaptability key factors, potentially influencing race strategies.
Between the tropical heat of Indonesia and Malaysia, this stop at Phillip Island represents a significant thermal contrast, one that will showcase the adaptability and performance of MICHELIN Power tyres and the expertise of the technical teams.
The Liqui Moly Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix 2025 promises to be another intense and spectacular weekend on one of the world's most demanding and iconic tracks — a place where consistency, control, and the performance of MICHELIN Power tyres will once again be central to success.
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