Could the Australian MotoGP race be moved to Saturday afternoon for the second time in three years? The 2023 Sprint-Grand Prix swap was a result of severe weather forecasts, including strong winds and heavy rain, which could have made the Sunday race dangerous. The race was successfully held on Saturday, but the weather worsened, leading to the cancellation of the delayed Sunday Sprint. This year, the forecast is less dire, but still predicts high winds of 40-55 km/h. Riders are concerned about the potential impact of these winds, with Alex Rins stating that the situation is highly dependent on wind direction. The MotoGP rules allow riders to remove their wings at Phillip Island if they believe it will help counter dangerous crosswinds, but Rins believes this would make matters worse. The 2022 Australian MotoGP qualifying was also postponed due to extreme winds, resulting in a fast accident for Miguel Oliveira. The riders will discuss the issue in the Safety Commission on Friday, aiming to find a solution that ensures the safety of the riders and the success of the race.
