From a press release issued by Fuchs Kawasaki:

MOTOGP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 2003
ROUND 15 – AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX
15TH OCTOBER 2003 – MOTOGP RACE RESULT

HOME AT LAST FOR FUCHS KAWASAKI RIDERS

After ten months of testing and racing across five continents, Fuchs Kawasaki riders Garry McCoy and Andrew Pitt finally touchdown at home for the Australian Grand Prix at Phillip Island this Sunday.

Phillip Island is expected to bring a welcome relief from the heat and humidity of last weekend’s Malaysian Grand Prix, where Pitt finished just outside the World Championship points. Track knowledge and cooler conditions are expected to provide a platform for both Kawasaki riders to aim for a points scoring finish in their home Grand Prix.

The pre-race preparations will be more intense than usual, with Pitt and McCoy engaged in a series of media and corporate appearances that are all part of the demands of modern MotoGP competition, especially racing at home for a high profile factory team.

But both Australians know what to expect from previous international success. Pitt was Supersport World Champion in 2001 with Kawasaki, while McCoy has five career Grand Prix victories to his credit.

And the Phillip Island visit is not just a home race for the riders. The Kawasaki race team has a solid representation of Australian technicians in the garage, all of whom will also enjoy the opportunity of racing in familiar surroundings.

As the ambitious and constantly evolving Kawasaki Ninja ZX-RR project enters its second year of GP racing there is no lack of motivation to aim for the best possible result at Phillip Island with the support of family, friends and home fans alike.

The Phillip Island circuit, with its amphitheatre style seaside location, is a spectacular race track setting. The undulating layout combines the challenging test of a high speed straight, a sequence of long and fast curves and two hairpin corners that provide the ultimate test of braking skills.

Andrew Pitt
“I just love racing at Phillip Island; it’s almost like being on holidays with the beach and staying in Cowes. Plus a bunch my mates will be there for the race so it will be good to catch up with everyone. I think most riders enjoy racing here and, like Assen, it is one of the great tracks on the calendar. Phillip Island has always been a tough test on tyres but I’m sure the Dunlop guys are ready for that; they’ve made some good progress this season and the cooler weather should work in our favour. The speed of the ZX-RR will be strong on the first half of the circuit, which is really fast, but the back section, up past the hay shed to Lukey Heights, could be hard work for us.”

Garry McCoy
“It’s always exciting racing at the Island with a big crowd, but it’s also a lot of extra work with the media, team and sponsorship schedule; everyone wants some of your time. I would like qualify on the front row again like last year, but that will depend on how the ZX-RR and our tyres shape up with the track and hopefully cooler weather. The Island is fast and the Kawasaki is not short of power, but the long, high speed corners make it hard for us to get on the throttle early; I reckon we’ll be hanging off the bike through the fast stuff out the back.”

Harald Eckl – Team Manager
“All season our goal has been to develop the Ninja ZX-RR for a top performance at Phillip Island, and our early aim was the podium because Garry and Andrew know this track very well. Unfortunately, at this stage of our new MotoGP programme, we have not reached the point of being able to provide our riders with a bike that will allow them to really show their home fans what they are capable of and a podium position is out of reach in our first season. But as always, Andrew and Garry will be highly motivated and again we are expecting strong support from our tyre partners Dunlop, who have been working hard on the special demands of Phillip Island.”



More, from a press release issued by Ducati Corse:

AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX – PREVEW
Phillip Island, October 17/18/19

TROY’S HOMECOMING FOR DUCATI MARLBORO TEAM

Ducati Marlboro Team rider Troy Bayliss returns to Australia this weekend to contest his first race on home tarmac in 18 months. The hugely popular Aussie, currently fifth overall and top rookie, is joined by team-mate Loris Capirossi, the man who clinched the squad’s first MotoGP victory at June’s Marlboro Catalan GP.

The Ducati Marlboro Team has played a starring role in the 2003 MotoGP World Championship, racking up enough points to put Ducati second in the Constructors’ World Championship standings. Both Bayliss and Capirossi will be aiming for more podium finishes on the Island to further strengthen the factory’s stunning rookie MotoGP campaign.

Sunday’s Australian GP concludes a gruelling run of three back-to-back ‘flyaway’ races which has taken the MotoGP circus from Motegi in Japan to Sepang in Malaysia and to Phillip Island in the space of just three weekends. After this event teams return to Europe for the season finale, the Marlboro Valencia GP, in Spain on November 2.


DUCATI MARLBORO TEAM ALL SET FOR ISLAND RACE
The Ducati Marlboro Team contests its first Australian MotoGP event this weekend, ten months after the squad’s Desmosedici machine underwent its first full tests at Phillip Island. Riders Loris Capirossi and Troy Bayliss were bang on the pace in that outing but much has changed since then – the Desmosedici has been substantially developed and the MotoGP pace has got faster and faster.

“We tested at Phillip Island last December, it was our first real track test of the circuit when we did our first race simulations with Loris and Troy,” says Ducati Marlboro Team technical director Corrado Cecchinelli. “Our lap times were very fast, though we were using 2003 Michelins compared to the 2002 tyres that riders used during last year’s Australian GP, so it was difficult to draw direct comparisons. Anyway, we’re confident that we can run a good pace at this track.

“The circuit is unusual – it’s a very flowing, high-speed track with only one area of heavy, prolonged braking, at Honda corner. Most of all it’s very hard on the left side of the rear tyre. The last double left-hander generates a huge amount of heat in the tyre because the bike is at the same lean angle for a long time, with full throttle in fourth gear.

“You need a very stable bike for this track, especially if it’s windy. The wind can be worst on the start-finish straight – as the riders pass the end of the pit wall they encounter strong side winds. You can do a few things to make life easier for the rider in such conditions: maximise stability, reduce the fairing’s surface area by drilling holes in it and lowering the bike. But the number one thing is a good, stable set-up. And, of course, you have to hope that no seagulls get in the way!”

Before competing on the Island, Capirossi and Bayliss take part in a street parade, organised by fuel and lubricant partners Shell Advance, in nearby Melbourne on Wednesday.

“Both our guys are looking forward to racing at Phillip Island – the fans are so appreciative of our sport in Australia,” adds Ducati Marlboro Team director Livio Suppo. “We therefore go into the penultimate race of our first MotoGP campaign in positive mood. Troy can’t wait to race in Australia again, it’s been a long time. He’s got some great memories of this track, and Loris too, he won his first World Championship here in 1990.”


CAPIROSSI AIMS FOR ANOTHER PODIUM FINISH
Loris Capirossi comes to Phillip Island aiming for another high-scoring finish on his Ducati Marlboro Team Desmosedici. The hard-riding Italian has already achieved some remarkable results on the awesomely powerful V4, including the bike’s historic first win, four podiums and ten front-row starts. Capirossi has enjoyed plenty of success in Australia – he won the 1996 500 GP at Eastern Creek and the 1990 and 1991 125 GPs at Phillip Island.

“I like Phillip Island so much, but it’s a difficult track, especially for tyres,” says Capirossi. “But we did a race simulation during our tests at Phillip Island and the Michelins worked well. We also tried many different chassis and engine settings to get less wheelspin, and I think we worked in a good direction. Everyone in the team is working so hard to make the bike better. This is our first year but I think we can be very happy with what we’ve achieved so far. And next year should be even better because we’ll have full track data from which to work.”

Capirossi always looks forward to returning to Phillip Island, for it was here that he secured his first World Championship way back in 1990. That year he won the 125 crown at his first attempt at the age of 17 years old, and he’s still the youngest winner of a World Championship. The win captured the hearts of local Australians – one Cowes pizzeria even created the Capirossi pizza in celebration of the teenager’s triumph! “A long time ago, but it’s still a sweet memory,” he smiles.


BAYLISS RETURNS TO HAPPY HUNTING GROUND
Ducati Marlboro Team rider Troy Bayliss has high hopes for the 2003 Australian GP. He rode the most crucial races of his career on the Island – the 1997 Australian Superbike round and the ’97 250 GP – which launched his international career. Four years later Bayliss was World Superbike champion and last year he won both races at the Island round of the series. This weekend he rides his first MotoGP race at the track.

“Phillip Island will be the busiest race of the year for me,” says Bayliss. “My plan had been to head back to my home town for a few days after Malaysia, but there’s been too much going on, I’ve had to do a fair bit of press and PR work. I like the atmosphere and I like the track because I like tracks where the racing tends to be close. It’s a place I do well at. It was one of the first tracks where we tested the Desmosedici and the tests went okay, so this weekend should be good for us. I’ll have a lot of friends and fans down there, they’ll make sure I pull my finger out, and I’ll be aiming for the podium.”

Bayliss’ wife Kim will be absent this weekend. She’s at home in Monaco looking after the couple’s third child – Ollie, born on the weekend of last month’s Rio GP – with help from her mum and aunt. “I always look forward to Phillip Island so much,” says Kim. “It’s our only chance during the season to catch up with old mates, but it looks like I’ll be missing it this year.”


THE TRACK
The Phillip Island circuit is the second fastest currently used for motorcycle GP racing (after Dutch GP track Assen, another rider favourite) and also demands much of machines and tyres. Its only downside is the area’s unsettled early spring weather that can whip up dangerously strong winds off the nearby Bass Strait.

There are three essentials for a good result at the Victorian state venue: guts, determination and a sweet-handling motorcycle. Most riders count the track as one of their favourites because unlike many modern circuits that have been built to contain the flight of F1 cars, the Island is dominated by high-speed curves that test rider skill and daring to the limit.

Situated 130 kilometres south-east of Melbourne, the island hosted its first motorcycle races way back in the 1920s, when riders competed over a dusty 12-mile street circuit, and the only access to the island was by boat! The circuit fell into disrepair but was redeveloped in the late eighties and hosted Australia’s first bike GP in 1989. Since then the circuit has been renowned for creating ultra-close racing action.



More, from a press release issued by Pramac Honda:

PRAMAC RACING PREVIEW

MotoGP – Round 15
Phillip Island (Australia)
17/18/19 October 2003

PENULTIMATE ROUND OF 2003 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP: PHILLIP ISLAND (AUSTRALIA)

Ending the long tour away from Europe before the “Grand Finale” in Valencia, the Phillip Island Grand Prix is still of great interest for the championship standings, even though the world title has already been assigned in the premier class. Although Rossi has already won his fifth world title, there are still two races to go and the challenge for the vice-championship is still open.

Sete Gibernau and Massimiliano Biaggi will be battling it out in the final rush. Gibernau, currently in second place with 244 points and Biaggi, just behind with 215, are separated by only 29 points – but there are still 50 to be won. The final dash could bring some real excitement.

South of Melbourne, on Phillip Island, the Australian track that hosts the penultimate round of the season is a circuit of rare beauty. Just by the sea, it is surrounded by lawns and has some very special technical characteristics: fast sweeping curves, slight inclinations and tight corners that are perfect for overtaking while braking. Riders need to watch out for the weather, however, for it can be very windy and often rainy, and this is the ideal place for large seagulls – that have been hit more than once by riders when racing or practising.

The circuit.
Length: 4,448 metres
7 left-handers
5 right-handers –

longest straight: 900 metres
Maximum width: 13 metres
built in 1956 – modified in 1988

2002 winners. 125 class: Poggiali (RSM) Gilera – 250 Class: Melandri (ITA)
Aprilia – MotoGP Class: Rossi (ITA) Honda.

Circuit records – 125: 1’37.983, Pedrosa 2002 – 250: 1’33.556, Rossi, 1999 –
MotoGP: 1’32.233, Rossi, 2002.

MAX BIAGGI: NINTH PODIUM OF THE SEASON

CAMEL PRAMAC PONS TEAM SECOND IN TEAM RATINGS.

On the podium in 9 races out of 14, with two victories. This is the positive outcome of Massimiliano Biaggi’s 2003 season two rounds from the end. Currently third in the ratings, the four-times world champion still has second place, and the title of vice-champion, in his sights.

The gap separating him from today’s number two, Sete Gibernau, is now 29 points, but the 50 remaining to be won mean that second place is still within Max’s grasp. Biaggi’s podium placing and Tohru Ukawa’s seventh position gave the Camel Pramac Pons Team another 25 points, firmly endorsing its second place in the special team ratings. A prestigious position it is expected to maintain through to the end of the championship.

MAKOTO TAMADA: THE WILL TO WIN
Rear tyre too soft for the Pramac Honda Team’s Japanese rider in the Sepang race – and the heat did the rest. The fact is that, after two spectacular qualifying sessions and his start from the front row with third-quickest time, Makoto Tamada lost all hope of confirming his winning streak and arrived tenth in the Malaysia race. An honourable position, but one that does not reflect the full potential that Makoto is able to express in this stage of the championship.

So the desire for a comeback is strong and the conditions are ripe for Tamada to raise his sights in the last two races. He rode on both circuits, Phillip Island and Valencia, during the winter tests and, particularly here in Australia, Bridgestone achieved brilliant results last year.

The main objective is therefore to perfect the set-up of Makoto’s RC211V right at the beginning of the sessions and then work out the best choice of tyre so as to put the Japanese rider in the ideal conditions for him to aim for the top. Tamada is now 11th in the standings, 16 points from Alexander Barros who is 10th. So Makoto’s aim could be to beat the Brazilian and end the season in tenth place.



More, from a press release issued by Honda Racing:

HONDA RACING INFORMATION
Australian Grand Prix, Phillip Island
October 17, 18, 19

ROSSI MOVES TO MILK MOMENTUM OF MAGICAL TITLE SEASON

Three times MotoGP World Champion Valentino Rossi (Repsol Honda RC211V) heads to Phillip Island determined to make the most of a season where he has had to work harder than ever to retain his status as the number one rider in the world. But his erstwhile rivals Sete Gibernau (Telefonica Movistar Honda RC211V) and Max Biaggi (Camel Pramac Pons RC211V) still have second place to fight for and will, as ever, make life less than easy for the champ.

MotoGP makes the last of three ‘flyaway’ temporary encampments at Phillip Island, 130km south east of Melbourne in Australia this weekend for the penultimate race of the 16 Grands Prix season. This is the third of three back-to-back races that test teams to the maximum in terms of human endurance and logistical expertise.

Rossi has cemented his reputation as one the all-time greats with his third consecutive World Championship and the Repsol Honda Team has clinched the new Team Championship. Honda has also wrapped up the Manufacturers title. But the competitive edge remains as sharp as ever.

Phillip Island is a place where talent shines and riders know that to be fast at this bleak but beautiful and far-flung environment requires the utmost commitment – titles have been won and lost here. Part of that is due to the race calendar and accumulated points. Much else is due to the demanding nature of the track.

The 4.488km track hosted the first Australian motorcycle Grand Prix in 1989 and the contests have rarely been less than spectacular. Much of that is down to the layout of the track. Another element is the fulsome participation of the committed crowd. The end of season atmosphere cannot be discounted either.

But as well as the dispute for the runner-up honours in the premier class much is at stake in the smaller categories too. The 250 title is still up for grabs and notwithstanding Daniel Pedrosa (Telefonica Movistar Junior Team RS125R) having already lifted the World 125cc Championship, that class will continue to provide racing of the highest calibre whenever the gantry lights go green.

But, as ever, it’s the technicalities of the tarmac and the riders’ approaches to the event that are of primary importance.

“It’s sometimes difficult to restart after such a great weekend,” says Rossi. “But I love Phillip Island. I’ve had great experiences there and we’ll try for another good result. The bike works so well at the moment and we’ll just try to have some fun for the rest of the season. I want to get on the podium for every race this season and that is my motivation now we’ve won the title and the team Championship.”

But the track is a tough one and tyre wear is a huge issue. The two left-hand turns onto the main straight are punishing on rubber and machine set-up is directed as conserving tyres. But there are so many fast changes of direction on this circuit and sustained periods of high lean angle that riders have to prepare for late laps when grip has all but evaporated.

Nicky Hayden (Repsol Honda RC211V) is prepared. “When I tested here at the start of the year I really enjoyed it,” said the American rookie. “The track, the atmosphere, the ocean in the background makes it special. The layout is great and the big left-handers are real fun. I want to finish my first MotoGP season on a high and I just want to up the momentum.”

Sete Gibernau has it all to ride for having proved to be Rossi’s main rival this season. “I’ve got two races left to win although the title is over,” said the Spaniard. “And I’ll give it my best shot as always. I’ll have the support of a great team behind me like I’ve had all season and like most riders I relish the challenge of this track.”

Max Biaggi too is geared to go. “I want to finish my season well,” said the Roman Rossi rival. “I’ll try to get some revenge there, although he (Rossi) is a great rider and has had a top-level season. The track is one of my favourites although I won’t leave from Malaysia for a while because I’ve heard it’s quite freezing there. I’ll arrive on Wednesday morning!”

Tohru Ukawa (Camel Pramac Pons RC211V) is ready too. “When you test there in winter the weather is always good, but when you race there it’s windy and cold,” he said. “This year we haven’t tested there, but we still have an idea what to expect. Last year I was third on the podium, and I’ll be trying to better that this year. Tyre choice is always crucial here, because they get a really hard time.”

For Makoto Tamada (Pramac Honda RC211V) Phillip Island represents a chance to continue the progress the Japanese rookie has made this year. “Last year Jeremy McWilliams got pole, so we know we have capability for good lap times here,” he said. “And we’ll be hoping for a repeat result in qualifying – and in the race.”

In the 250 class Roberto Rolfo (Fortuna Honda RS250RW) will continue his determined bid to snatch the 250 crown with his resolute and consistent style. “I like the Phillip Island track very much,” he said. “The circuit has some fast sections where you need a fast engine but the corners there will allow me to exploit the handling qualities of my Fortuna Honda. The Championship is not over and I am still in there fighting. Everything is possible until the very last chance has gone.”

Honda hotshot Sebastian Porto (Telefonica Movistar Junior Team RS250RW) will give it everything too. “Phillip Island I like very much, in fact it’s one of my favourite circuits,” said the Argentine rider. “The track has everything, it’s a real rider’s circuit and I have done well there in the past. I don’t have a favourite section – I like every aspect of the place. My bike will work well there, even if I do need a little more power. I also like Australia very much and that helps a lot.”

Dani Pedrosa, the new 125cc World Champion from the Telefonica Movistar Honda Junior Team is relaxed and raring to go. “Phillip Island is a good track, but it’s very difficult for a 125,” he said. “The gearing is very difficult to get right because of the wind. It helps you going in one direction but hurts you going the other way. Nobody really has an advantage at Phillip Island because so much of the track is in fifth and sixth gear, full open on the gas running up to the last corner and down the front straight, and also at the back of the circuit. Slipstreaming is very, very important. The only problem is the wind – it’s a little dangerous sometimes, very much so when it comes from the side. The races are always really good for the fans and television because they are always close.”

Thomas Luthi (Elit Grand Prix Honda RS125R) is keen to build on a fine first full season of top level competition. “Phillip Island is not an easy track for me,” said the Swiss teenager. “Last year was not so bad for me and I enjoyed racing there but the wind was a big problem. I’m very light and I got caught you by the wind and crashed three times! Slipstreaming is very important at that track and I have to improve the way I use slipstreaming. My bike is really working well now, the engine is good and that’s important at Phillip Island. I’m looking forward to the race.”

Andrea Dovisioso (Team Scot Honda RS125R) will be going all-out out to secure a high finish in the points table. The Italian currently lies fourth. “All Grand Prix riders like racing at Phillip Island and for sure I have a good feeling when I’m there,” he said. “If everything is okay with the bike I’m sure I can finish in the top five. The only problem we face is with the wind but it’s the same for everybody.”