The brilliant Australian track is a rider favourite. It has long been considered one of the jewels on the current calendar. Its series of long, flowing curves, taken in third and fourth gear are spread across 2.7 miles of glorious, undulating tarmac. Its proximity to the Bass Straight means it gives Mugello a run for its money in terms of the most spectacular setting of the year.
With an average speed of 110mph across the fastest MotoGP laps, it’s the second quickest track on the calendar, behind Austria’s Red Bull Ring. Bravery is a requisite, as is front-end feel. Any bike with high top speed should find advantage along the awesome 0.55-mile Gardner Straight that sees riders regularly surpass 200mph.
From there it’s a brave dash into the fearsome turn one, Doohan Corner. Taken in excess of 100mph, gamers should trail brake into the corner, dropping three gears. Finding a line through the middle of the track will give the gamer a good chance of setting up an overtaking move at turn two.
Southern Loop is taken in second gear and requires a smooth, arching line. Throttle control will be tested to the maximum on corner exit as the gas is applied steadily while gradually picking the bike up. A short blast takes you to the awesome Stoner Corner, taken in third gear. No braking is needed; simply feather the throttle before applying gradually all the way to turn four.
Drop down to first gear for the tight hairpin. The same applies to the Siberia hairpin soon after. Then it gets really interesting: Throttle control is once again key exiting Siberia, as you gradually apply the gas while steadily picking the bike up.
Then once up to speed quickly flick from left to right in fourth gear, into the Hayshed. Run the bike out wide before braking and shifting back two gears for the brilliant Lukey Heights. Remember to be patient with the throttle before accelerating down to the turn ten hairpin taken in first gear.
A fast right-left transition is needed for turn eleven, taken with increasing speed. Continue applying the throttle gently through eleven and only the slightest touch of brake is needed entering turn twelve, as you perfect your line. Aim for a late apex as you gradually shift up through the gears and aim for the white line on exit as you build toward 200mph on the main straight.
Fast, daunting and fun, Phillip Island throws up challenges like no other.
The second Online Challenge ends on 11th September at 7pm CET – so get riding!
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