Made for a MotoGP™ bike - the world's best riders talk Phillip Island ahead of the Pramac Generac Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix 2019

Before they dispute 27 laps of Phillip Island on October 27, the world's best riders are in agreement on what makes the Phillip Island track one of the world's best.

Take 22 alpha males, strap them onto the world's fastest motorbikes and let them loose on the world's racetracks 19 weekends a year, and you're bound to have more than the occasional dispute or disagreement, as the racing in this year's MotoGP™ World Championship can attest.

Finding unanimity on any subject is no mean feat, but mention "Phillip Island" to any of the riders competing in this month's Pramac Generac Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix 2019, and a smile and variations on a uniform answer are sure to follow.

"Phillip Island is one of the best tracks of the season, all of the riders love this place," grins Yamaha's Valentino Rossi, who, with a record eight wins at the venue, has more reasons to be fond of the 4.448km layout than most.

Two-time Island winner and reigning MotoGP™ World Champion Marc Marquez concurs with his great rival.

"It's one of my favourite circuits, and I enjoy it a lot," says the Honda rider, who has qualified on pole position for the past five years, and who owns the fastest race lap (1min28.108secs), set on his first premier-class visit in 2013.

Marquez's Spanish compatriot, Aleix Espargaro, feels the Island's unique nature sets it apart.

"It's completely different than any other circuit in the world," the Aprilia rider says.

"If we look back to the previous races in MotoGP™, it's always fantastic. All the people around the world is waiting for that race because they know it's going to be a frenetic race in a big group. It's great also for the riders, because we enjoy a lot."

So the riders have a soft spot for the Island; that much is clear. But which parts of the 12-turn layout really get their pulses racing? Remember the consensus we spoke about earlier? Ask the riders which sections of the track they prefer, and their answers cover almost every corner.

"My favourite part? Exit from Siberia, Turn 6 … Turns 6, 7, 8, 9 … and arrive at the hairpin …," Rossi says, using his hands to ride an imaginary line between the interlinked corners at the back of the track.

"I really like Turn 3 in Phillip Island, it's a really nice corner, one of the most beautiful in all of the championship," offers Rossi protégé and fellow Yamaha rider, Franco Morbidelli.

"It's a circuit made for a MotoGP™ bike … but the best corner has to be Turn 1," says hometown hero, Pramac Ducati's Jack Miller.

"Going down that front straight into there, you never lose that feeling lap after lap for 27 laps. You feel the same way going in there on the last lap as you do on the first. It's scary, but one of the coolest feelings on a motorbike."

Red Bull KTM's MotoGP™ rookie Miguel Oliveira, the 2017 Moto2™ winner in Australia, has his own view – with a quick qualifier.

"Lukey Heights I think is one of the most demanding corners in terms of visuals," the Portuguese says.

"But I would say every corner is special at Phillip Island, you just need to trust so much the front end of the bike to go fast there."

Story courtesy of Australian MotoGP

TOP MOTOGP RIDERS TALK ABOUT PHILLIP ISLAND