Image: Supplied.

Moto2 rookie Senna Agius was almost lost for words post-race at Phillip Island after charging from 13th on the grid to a first-career podium at the 2024 Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix.

The highly-rated 19-year-old graduated to the world championship full-time this season after dominating European Moto2 last year, and managed to deliver on his promise on debut at home this afternoon.

Agius – who has already re-signed with the Liqui Moly Husqvarna IntactGP team for 2025 – lined up with a special Casey Stoner tribute on his helmet and gear this weekend and saved his best for Sunday’s grand prix in storming to fourth by the middle stages of the race.

A late attempt to catch Alonso Lopez for the podium was helped when the Spaniard crashed out, opening the door for the New South Wales teenager to race onto a popular podium at home. He joined race winner Fermin Aldeguer and Aron Canet inside the top three, 7.228s outside of the victory, and was a second clear of world title leader Ai Ogura.

“I’ve got no words…” Agius reflected. “In that race I felt so good, but I was finding myself being a bit out of control – I was so excited out there, to be honest. At the end when I put my pace down and I was catching Alonso, I didn’t want to catch him too quick because I knew that if I used the tyre then I had nothing else.

“You know, that was the longest three laps of my life. I have all my family here, but I have to say a massive thank you to the whole Husqvarna Liqui Moly IntactGP team for believing in me. It’s not been the easiest of seasons, so to get my first podium today I am actually a bit emotional. I just can’t believe it, honestly.”

Agius’ ride was a standout for the Australian contingent on race-day Sunday at Phillip Island, with Moto2 debutant Harrison Voight (Preicanos Racing Team) finishing just outside the points in P18.

The MotoGP race won by Marc Marquez (Gresini Ducati) ahead of points leader Jorge Martin (Pramac Racing) and Pecco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo) saw Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM) race forward to 11th following what had been an eventful Saturday for the North Queenslander.

Moto3 – won by new champion David Alonso (CFMoto Aspar) from Daniel Holgado (Red Bull GasGas Tech3) and Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing Honda) – saw Joel Kelso (BOE Motorsports) lead the early laps on his way to P11, with newcomer Jacob Roulstone (Red Bull GasGas Tech3) 13th.