Champion Marquez guns for repeat win at "special" Phillip Island

Marquez came out on top in last year’s thrilling race for Honda, and is fresh from sealing this year’s MotoGP championship at Motegi last Sunday.

The 23-year-old Spaniard says the track is “one of my favourite circuits” and is aiming for more success this weekend.

“I enjoy the track a lot, every year,” said Marquez. “The people and the place are amazing. We will try to enjoy the race, then we will see. I will try and win some more races.

“The first approach is to try and enjoy the weekend, it’s a really nice place. The only tricky thing is the weather, you never know. But we will try to enjoy it, and to be on the podium on Sunday, or even the top of the podium, would be nice.”

Modern classic

Marquez relishes the challenge of the venue, and added that he hopes the race lives up to last-year’s modern classic status.

“It’s a really fast circuit, the place is special,” he said. “These types of circuits, with uphill, downhill, following the natural place is difficult to find. Especially because the average speed during the lap is really high.

“Another race [like last year] I think would be difficult, we were four or five riders at the top. But it would be really nice for the fans. Of course I will try and do the same race, because we won.”

For tickets and more information on the Michelin® Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix 2016, please visit: www.motogp.com.au

Interview by Andrew van Leeuwen