Last 'Homecoming Ride', last cheer from the kids for MotoGP

EVERYTHING, every day, every aspect of the 2026 Red Bull Australian MotoGP, at the spectacular Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, is a ‘last time’ thing.

On Thursday, as usual, San Remo turned on some glorious weather for the final ‘Homecoming Ride’ and what a welcome the kids from the San Remo Primary School put on again for MotoGP heroes including Alex Rins, Enea Bastianini, Maverick Vinales and all the riders.

And who could forget the 2023 victory, literally from the clouds in 2023, by French star Johann Zarco. He was there too.

The kids cheered, the riders were generous with their time signing autographs and posing for photos, both with the kids, and with the fans.

There were some interviews on stage with Chris Vermmeulen's sister, who is a MotoGP commentator, Renita Vermeulen, as some of the riders relived their great moments on the track.

And also the suggestion, that if it rains, Aussie hero Jack Miller might just be the one to put a final exclamation mark on the last great race. Tim will tell.

The ‘Farken Good Time Team’ were there again in their now famous T-shirts, which started for the big group from Geelong in 1991, through a series of shirts on the same theme through to this year’s black and purple number with the words: ‘One Last Farken Good Time’.

Ben, Kate, Brad and Jane were back again from Adelaide but certainly not gloating about the fact that they’ll hots the race next year.

“We love coming here. The track in Adelaide will be no where near as good as Phillip Island’s but it’s not about that. It’s all about the money,” said Ben.

“They’ll put on a great show in Adelaide, they always do.

“They wanted a street circuit race and they got it in Adelaide.

“As well as the fans, they’ll attract mums, dads and kids who wouldn’t normally go.

“They can do a bit of shopping in town, get lunch or a coffee and wander down for the racing.

“They can get a meal or a drink in town afterwards.

“It’s the complete package but nothing like Phillip Island. We’re sad to see it go,” they said.

Geoff and Sharon Armstrong are back again for his 6th and her 5th MotoGP from Alstonville near Balina in northern NSW. They’re not worried about the weather.

“I think we’ve had one fine race day but it’s not about the weather. We’re here for the racing,” they said in unison.

A face in the crowd as the ride crossed the bridge was former Bass Coast Mayor, now Liberal candidate for Bass Rochelle Halstead.

She gave everyone a wave and a “hello” was she rode pillion on the back of a motorbike trike, in the middle of the throng.

“I got the opportunity to ride on the back for the last ‘Homecoming Ride’ and I thought ‘why not’. It’s exciting,” said Rochelle.

“Of course, we’re all disappointed to see it go but we want to make sure we put on a good show,” she said.

“Phillip Island has still got so much to offer and we’ve still got the last World Superbikes here in February next year and of course, the Supercars are coming as well.”

So, it’s on with the show, starting with the first track action on Friday morning.

What’s coming up

• FRIDAY: bikes unleashed onto Phillip Island

Friday morning sees the first track action of the weekend, with Moto3 FP1 beginning our blockbuster weekend at 09:00. Moto2 follows at 09:50 before the premier stars are on show in MotoGP FP1 at 10:45. After a short break, Moto3 are back on circuit at 13:15 before Moto2 Practice gets underway from 14:05. Afterwards, we’ve got an important MotoGP Practice, where the premier class battles for a spot inside the top 10 from 15:00!

• SATURDAY: an unmissable Super Sprint

It’s a bumper Saturday, so hopefully you’ve got your coffee ready if you’re watching from Europe. Moto3 FP2 begins our day of running, going green at 08:40 before Moto2 exits the pits at 09:25 for the first time on Saturday. Moto2 FP2 is next at 10:10 before the premier class stars set the grid from 10:50. After lunch, Moto3 are next to fight for pole from 12:45 before Moto2 gets qualifying underway at 13:40. Finally, MotoGP ends super Saturday with Tissot Sprint action at 15:00!

• SUNDAY: racing action in Australia!

Onto race day! MotoGP are first on Sunday’s schedule, starting with Warm Up at 09:40. Then we are onto the grid for the first race of the day, with Moto3 enjoying 21 laps at 11:00. Straight after, we turn our attention to Moto2, with 23 laps of drama at 12:15 before we prepare for the main event as the Australian GP gets underway at 14:00!