Thumbs up from Bass Coast for GP

THE CROWD was raring to go at Phillip Island this weekend for the 2022 Animoca Brands Australian Motorcycle GP.

The 91,158 strong crowd, over the three days, was the best since Casey Stoner’s final race at Phillip Island in 2012.

“I was there on the Saturday, and it was a good crowd,” Bass Coast Mayor Michael Whelan said.

“The race (on Sunday) was sensational; Phillip Island at its best.

“It was a welcome back to the Moto GP and I think the town’s pretty happy that it’s back on the agenda.

“During COVID, Bass Coast, as a whole not just Phillip Island, lost around $40 million a year by not having the Moto GP, it’s really important.”

And whilst COVID restrictions have eased and life is back to normality, the weather played havoc this year – likely deterring a few visitors.

“It was a tough year because they couldn’t do the camping, it was too wet. Couldn’t do the parking so we’d had to resort the buses; the queues were pretty big. You couldn’t get enough buses.

“I was walking past one of those queues for central Cowes and there was a really good spirit amongst people. They were sucking it up, which is admirable really, I thought people handled that really well.

“It was a workaround. It was one of those things you had to make work and I think people should be commended.”

Jorge Martin claimed pole position ahead of the race breaking Jorge Lorenzo’s All Time Lap Record (dating back to 2013) with a 1:27.767 in his Phillip Island Moto GP bike debut.

“I was watching them and you’re looking at them come down the straight and then they’ve past you; they’re that quick,” Cr Whelan added.

“Overall, it was a really successful event.

“It will be reviewed because you do lose experience over two years of not running things. This year was really good, but it’ll go even better next year.

“The spirit of Phillip Island is up and running again, people really enjoyed themselves and that’s what it’s all about.”

Local police also praised the behaviour around town with no issues or major incidents.