Yamaha’s Jorge Lorenzo is amongst a number of riders who enjoy the fast, flowing nature of Phillip Island. Image: MotoGP.com

A handful of MotoGP’s finest have rated the upcoming Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix at Phillip Island as one of the sport’s best events.

With the countdown to the 18-20 October event hitting one month today, anticipation for what is billed at the “new era” of MotoGP is beginning to build.

A multiple winner at the coastal circuit, Yamaha Factory Racing’s Valeinto Rossi said the circuit is a rider favourite across the board.

“It is something special compared to the others,” said Rossi. “It’s very fast and it’s always a great feeling to ride a motorbike there.”

The circuit holds special significance for teammate Jorge Lorenzo, who secured the 2012 world title here last year when he finished second behind Casey Stoner.

“Phillip Island is a very special track, when you go into the first corner and do a lap you realise how different it is,” said Lorenzo.

“It’s really narrow, really fast, and the landscape is wonderful. It’s great to ride, especially when the weather is perfect.”

Perhaps the most anticipated appearance at the event will be that of Repsol Honda rookie Marc Marquez, the man who currently commands the lead of the world championship.

He too secured his respective class title here last year, and enjoy’s the track’s flowing nature.

“Phillip Island is one of the most special tracks in the championship – when you have the best set-up and you are fast, you enjoy it a lot,” said Marquez.

“I won the title there in Moto2 so I will always have special memories about Phillip Island. It’s a fast circuit, and with MotoGP, in the beginning it will be hard.”

Ducati’s Nicky Hayden and Yamaha’s Crutchlow are amongst other riders rate the circuit, and the event, highly, with Hayden remarking “it’s one of the better tracks we go to, if not the best of all.”

The Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2013. Visit motogp.com.au for more information and ticket bookings.