IT’S all starting to happen at Phillip Island ahead of the Liqui Moly Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix 2025.
While finishing touches are being applied out at the famous Phillip Island Motor Racing Circuit, in town at Cowes, the entertainment stage has been erected at the bottom of Thompson Avenue, motorbike enthusiasts are arriving, the teams are out gathering their supplies and up and down the street, trade is brisk at cafes, pubs and shops.
But even before gates open for a full day of activity on Friday, October 17 at 8.30am, there’s the Casey Stoner-led ‘Homecoming Ride’ kicking off from San Remo at 11am.
Two-time MotoGP World Champion and Australian motorsport legend Casey Stoner is making a highly anticipated return to the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit on Thursday, October 16.
Stoner will lead the Homecoming Ride presented by Spokes alongside dozens of other legends of the sport and hundreds of fans, making their way across the San Remo Bridge to the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.
Once there, the convoy will complete two laps of the very track that witnessed so much of Stoner’s success, creating a truly unique experience for devoted fans.
The meeting point is the Marine Parade Car Park, San Remo from 8.30am-10.30am, the perfect time to take a look at what is a magnificent motorbike show, get selfies with the stars and then watch them head off across the bridge to the Island at 11am.
The action will conclude at 12.30pm but there will be plenty to keep everyone entertained in Cowes afterwards.
On Friday, October 17 the gates open at 8.30am, practice for Moto3, Moto2 and MotoGP starts at 9am through to 11.30am, followed by Superbike masters and then repeat in the afternoon.
On Saturday, October 18 gates open at 8am with practice across the three classes from 8.40am to 10.40am followed by two qualifying rounds for MotoGP from 10.50am to 11.30am. Then there’s the ‘Hero Walk’ and a chance to get photos with the stars, followed by more qualifying for the other classes in the afternoon and then the GP Sprint Race over 13 laps for championship points at 3pm before heading back to Cowes for a night of entertainment in town.
On Sunday, October 19 it’s race day with a full program of racing and special events with the main race over 27 laps starting at 2pm.
Homecoming ride
A record number of MotoGP stars, including World Champions Casey Stoner and Francesco Bagnaia, along with current Australian favorites, will lead the annual Homecoming Ride on Thursday, October 16, offering fans a unique opportunity to ride with their heroes from San Remo to the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit ahead of the Australian MotoGP Grand Prix.
The iconic ride, which takes fans alongside their idols from San Remo to the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, promises to be the most star-studded to date, featuring riders with a combined four World Championships.
Leading the convoy will be two-time MotoGP World Champion and Aussie legend Casey Stoner, who is synonymous with the Phillip Island circuit after claiming six consecutive victories there from 2007 to 2012. He’ll be joined by current MotoGP fan favorite Jack Miller, delighting the home crowd with his return to Australian soil.
The local heroes will be flanked by international MotoGP heavyweights, including two-time World Champion Francesco "Pecco" Bagnaia, currently sitting third in the championship standings, and the recently podium-finishing Enea Bastianini. Adding to the international contingent is Marco Bezzecchi, who is having one of his most consistent seasons, holding onto fourth place in the Championship.
The lineup will also feature the newest race winner on the grid, rising star Fermin Aldeguer, fresh off his maiden MotoGP victory at the Indonesian Motorcycle Grand Prix.
Australian motorsport's future talent will be strongly represented, with Moto2 rider Senna Agius (currently top nine in the standings), Moto3 contender Joel Kelso (chasing a home podium during his strongest season yet), and Jacob Roulstone, who is coming off a career-best finish at the Indonesian Grand Prix, all joining the ride to soak in the local support.
The fan-favorite event offers a unique chance to ride "shoulder to shoulder" with the stars as the convoy crosses the San Remo Bridge, passes through Cowes township, and finally enters the circuit for two celebratory laps of the iconic track.
"The Homecoming Ride has become a highlight of the Australian MotoGP Grand Prix week over the past three years, and to have this calibre of talent leading the convoy for 2025 is something truly special for everyone involved," said Australian Grand Prix Chief Executive Officer, Travis Auld.
"It’s a rare opportunity for fans to meet and ride alongside their heroes, and we can’t wait to see the hundreds of bikes crossing the San Remo Bridge as they make their way towards the circuit ahead of a weekend of incredible racing.”
