Australian MotoGP cancelled as Marquez takes title lead after Martin crash

The Australian MotoGP was cancelled at Phillip Island after poor visibility prevented the medical helicopter from operating safely.

Sunday’s MotoGP race was called off along with the Moto2 and Moto3 contests, meaning Saturday’s Sprint was the only race of the weekend for the premier class. Marc Marquez won that Sprint to take a 10-point championship lead after Jorge Martin crashed while fighting him at the front and suffered a fractured right wrist.

Poor visibility forces Phillip Island cancellation

Race Direction waited for conditions to improve on Sunday, but the medical helicopter was unable to fly because of reduced visibility. Without the required medical evacuation cover, all three Grand Prix races were cancelled. MotoGP riders instead completed two parade laps behind the safety car before stopping on the main straight to acknowledge the crowd.

It brought MotoGP’s final scheduled weekend at Phillip Island to a close without a Grand Prix race. The Australian circuit has been part of the championship for much of the past three decades, but the event is set to move away from Phillip Island from 2027.

Cancellation limits Martin’s title damage

Martin had arrived in Australia two points ahead of Marquez, but the championship swung during Saturday’s Sprint. The pair fought for the lead during the opening laps before Martin crashed at Turn 8 on lap eight. Marquez went on to win ahead of Alex Marquez and Fabio Di Giannantonio, moving to the top of the standings on 365 points.

Initial X-rays showed a fracture of Martin’s right radius and raised concerns over a possible ulna fracture. Further scans have since confirmed a non-displaced fracture of the distal radius, with no second break.

Martin had already been declared unfit for Sunday’s Grand Prix, making the cancellation an unexpected reprieve in the championship fight. Had the race gone ahead, Marquez would have had the opportunity to score another 25 points while his rival was unable to take part. Instead, the gap remains 10 points, with Martin on 355.

Four rounds remain, and Sepang is next for the Malaysian Grand Prix. Martin’s availability is not yet certain, although the nature of the confirmed injury is less severe than initially feared.

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