MotoGP at Phillip Island: the most underrated sport in the world

Sunday’s Phillip Island MotoGP race offered a mix of high-speed racing, drama, luxury and celebrity appeal in one of the most-breathtaking settings in the world.

There’s something truly special about watching the MotoGP unfold at Phillip Island, a track world-famous for its high speeds and incredible views.

As a MotoGP first-timer, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect.

But I soon realised the magic of this sport goes beyond the scenery but in this dangerous balance of speed and precision.

The riders are modern-day gladiators barely hanging on as they scrape their knees around corners and dart through gaps only millimetres wider than their bikes.

Gresini Racing MotoGP's Spanish rider Marc Marquez powers through a corner during the MotoGP Australian Grand Prix on Phillip Island on October 20, 2024. Picture: Izhar KHAN / AFP

Spain’s Marc Marquez is a prime example. He had a less than perfect start and it looked like his race was over before it began, after his bike sqiurmed off the line in a cloud of tyre smoke.

At one stage he was 13th.

But over the next 25 laps he had the most incredible comeback, clawing his way back to the top and ultimately took the win.

His victory is what this sport is about - skill and grit.

The thrill of MotoGP lies in moments like what happened to Marquez, one moment, a rider may seem out of contention, the next they’re vying for the win.

But the race is only half the story - the experience off the track is just as impressive.

The GP’s official timekeeper, Tissot, hosted a handful of lucky people trackside.

Marc Marquez of Spain and the #93 Gresini Racing MotoGP celebrates after winning the MotoGP Of Australia at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit on October 20, 2024 in Phillip Island, Australia. Picture: by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

Watching the race unfold with a glass of wine in hand and views of the Bass Strait as a backdrop felt like a dream.

Add the chance to rub shoulders with celebrities like Eric Bana - yes please!

Of course, not everyone experiences MotoGP in VIP luxury.

Outside the VIP Village and Paddock Club, the atmosphere was just as electric.

Australian actor Eric Bana is seen at the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix back in 2017 on Phillip Island, Victoria. Picture: AAP Image/Joe Castro

Crowds lined the track, cheering, screaming and waiting for a glimpse of their favourite rider.

Whether you’re inside the VIP Village sipping wine or in the thick of the crowd with diehard fans, the buzz of the Moto GP is infectious.

It’s surprising that the Moto GP is often overlooked in favour of other motorsports like Formula One, the combination of speed, danger and hospitality make it the most underrated spectacle in the sporting world.

Sure, the drive in and out of the Island may involve a single road and the traffic is brutal but that’s a small price to pay for witnessing the pinnacle of motorbike racing.

Because in MotoGP it’s not just about who crosses the line first - it’s about surviving the race at all.

Originally published as MotoGP at Phillip Island: the most underrated sport in the world