The Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix has a decorated history and, entering this year’s 2014 edition, it has a real Australian flavour to it across the three world championship categories. Here are some of the things we’re tipping will make the weekend one to remember come Sunday evening.

Source: MotoGP.

1. A full length, flag-to-flag race:
A novel concept but something the tyre saga of 2013 made impossible to achieve. Tyre troubles, ultimately caused by a lack of pre-season testing, threw last year’s event into utter chaos when dangerous levels of degradation showed and threatened a raft of safety issues. The end result was a race that was split in two, with riders completing a mandatory bike swap mid-distance, and element that proved strangely entertaining but also brought about the undoing of eventual champion Marc Marquez. His team made a meal of the official rules which resulted in a black flag. This weekend should see no such trouble – Bridgestone went to great lengths to alleviate past embarrassments so all things being well, we’ll see our first full-length GP played out in Australia for the first time in 48 months.

2. Marquez’ first race as dual MotoGP champion:
Actually, make that Marquez’ first race as MotoGP champion full-stop. He hadn’t sewn up his crown here last year and 12 months later he comes to Australia not only the 2013 champion, but 2014 too. It seems a while back, given his relative struggles of late, but Marquez blitzed the first half of the season and probably could have pedalled around the last few tracks and still taken the title. His finish at Motegi sealed the deal so it will be interesting to see how he performs this weekend. Does he step it back up a notch and take even greater risk? Or does he tone it down and lead Jorge Lorenzo into a false sense of security for 2015? Time will tell. Regardless, it will be epic to see one of modern MotoGP’s masters at work.

3. Rossi’s real chance:
There’s no what if it rains, or what if his rivals fall off scenarios attached to this one. ‘The Doctor’ has proven he is at at both a physical and mental peak right now, and he could well challenge for the win. If he has a good feeling on the bike early on in the weekend then he should be dangerous. Winning against a fellow factory M1 and the two Hondas will be no easy task, but 2014 marks his best chance in a handful of seasons to star in front of an adoring Aussie crowd.

4. Parkes’ homecoming:
A seasoned competitor, Parkes’ career took a distinctly different turn at the start of 2014 when he was offered a ride with Paul Bird’s MotoGP effort. He’s raced on home soil in plenty of capacities but this will mark a milestone debut grand prix appearance. His experience will prove valuable in his pursuit of points finish, though he’ll need some luck on his side given the bike’s obvious power disadvantages to its Open class rivals. Strategy and and a cool head in changing conditions could bring him into play as it did earlier this year.

Source: MotoGP.

5. West’s rain dance:
If he’s to add to his Assen victory or indeed a second podium at home, long-time Aussie export Ant West will need to hope the forecasters have got it wrong for this weekend. Mainly fine conditions are predicted, which won’t play to his rain specialist tag. Lacking in both power and handling ability, his bike is somewhat neutralised on a damp circuit and years of experience come to the fore. A good points finish is definitely possible, but keeping up with the white-hot class leaders is an unlikely prospect for the crowd favourite.

6. Miller’s hopes for title revival:
Jack Miller’s Moto3 title hopes rest first and foremost on his performance this weekend. He’ll need to beat his rivals to the line and hope to bag a good number of points over them in order to set up some kind of strong run home. His fifth at Motegi was a cruel result, considering he led the way for the entire race. The nature and unpredictability of this close class can prove both a gift and a curse – let’s hope a win on home soil gets him back on track come Sunday.

7. Miller versus the Marquez’s:
The tenacious Aussie has not tried to hide his developing rival with Moto3 points leader Alex Marquez, further stoking the fire in the lead up to his home event. “I’ll be aiming straight for him, that’s the goal,” said Miller in mainstream coverage. “We’re going to bring the pain this weekend that’s for sure. He came with the first blow so if that’s how we’re doing it. I like to dance like that.” Jack made further reference to the pack mentality of the Marquez brothers, interesting considering he’s currently running against the junior but in less than six months will be battling against the senior, recently-crowned Marc.

8. Wagner’s big break:
Domestic Supersport form runner Aiden Wagner will lay it all on the line this weekend as he pursues his dream of racing for a living. Wagner was awarded a wildcard entry into the Moto2 class and has been able to link with the title-leading MarcVDS outfit, partnering Tito Rabat and Mika Kallio on a third Kalex machine. He had a brief but productive hitout on the bike in a whirlwind trip to Spain and despite his lack of experience in the class, could use his knowledge on home turf to snare a surprise result.

9. Second generation Gardner:
A household name returns to the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix this weekend with the elder of Wayne Gardner’s two sons selected as a wildcard in Moto3. Remy Gardner will be one to watch on board a Team Laglisse machine, the same bike he has raced successfully in the ultra-competitive Spanish CEV series. He made his grand prix class debut recently as a replacement rider, so that point of pressure is relieved somewhat. A strong result at home would be sweet especially considering this weekend marks the 25th anniversary of his Dad’s 500cc world championship race.

10. Aussie Superbikers:
Differences and the divide of series aside, this weekend will offer local riders the chance to fight it out for the title of Phillip Island Championship winner, a unique two-prong event which has been put together in conjunction with the World Superbike and MotoGP events. It’s a significant trophy to win and there’s plenty of effort invested, even moreso than previous years where races have been labelled non-championship supports. Bikes are up-specced from their ASC form and there is no control tyre specified, a couple of prospects set to make the racing even more interesting. Bragging rights at a GP weekend are a big thing, and with bumper grids confirmed, expect close and committed racing from our domestic hotshots.