As the 2024 MotoGP World Championship heads to Phillip Island this weekend for the 17th round of the series, we Countdown a number of storylines to follow at the Australian grand prix.

Image: Supplied.

6. The outsiders:
Thanks to some unique characteristics of the Phillip Island circuit, one of the most exciting aspects about the Australian grand prix is that a number ‘outsiders’ have emerged with victories over the years, such as Johann Zarco (LCR Honda) last year alongside Alex Rins (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team) and Maverick Vinales (Aprilia Racing) in 2022 and 2018 respectively. It adds another element of uncertainty to what is already going to be an unpredictable race.

5. Marquez back up front:
The resurgence of Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing) has been in full effect this season, with his form surging in the back half of the championship. Phillip Island has been a happy hunting ground for the multi-time world champion, having scored premier class wins at the picturesque venue in 2015, 2017, and 2019. The Spaniard will be one to keep an eye on this Sunday as he looks to add to that winning tally.

4. Kelso and Roulstone:
Joel Kelso (BOE Motorsports) and Jacob Roulstone (Red Bull GasGas Tech3) have been amazing to watch in the Moto3 World Championship, with Kelso on the cusp of a podium finish while Roulstone continues in impress in his rookie season. Kelso secured his first-ever Moto3 podium at Phillip Island last year in what were incredible scenes, while Roulstone will be looking to do the same in his first home appearance this weekend.

Image: Supplied.

3. Agius edging towards the podium:
One of Australia’s rising stars, Senna Agius has been going from strength to strength in his first full-time Moto2 campaign. The Husqvarna IntactGP rider, who recently inked a contract extension for 2025, has been edging towards a podium this season, and with a home crowd behind, it could be the lift that sees him raising a trophy come Sunday afternoon.

2. Miller’s homecoming:
To say it’s been a challenging year for Jack Miller would be an understatement, although with his future now cemented for 2025, things can only get better from here for the outgoing Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider. The likeable Australian always seems to extract an extra edge when racing in front of a home crowd, and it could very well be what he needs to get the momentum rolling ahead of his transition to the soon-to-be Yamaha-equipped Pramac Racing next year.

1. World title fight:
The MotoGP world title fight is down to a two-horse race between championship leader Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) and defending champion Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), and with just 10 points separating them, Phillip Island is set to play a pivotal role in how it all unfolds. Neither rider has won a MotoGP race at the ‘Island before, which further adds to the intrigue of who’ll emerge with the upper hand at the end of the weekend.