PREVIEW – 2022 ANIMOCA BRANDS AUSTRALIAN MOTORCYCLE GRAND - JUST BIKES

PREVIEW – 2022 Animoca Brands Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix

Words: Mike Ryan

Photos: Russell Colvin, unless indicated

It’s still a couple of months away, but after missing out for the past two years, the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix can’t come soon enough for Aussie MotoGP fans!

Scheduled for October 14 to 16 at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, the Animoca Brands Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix 2022 is an event that shouldn’t be missed.

If you’ve never heard of Animoca Brands, they’re a digital entertainment and property rights company, covering blockchain gaming products like the Sandbox, Crazy Kings and Crazy Defence Heroes.
In 2019, Animoca Brands became a partner of MotoGP promoters Dorna Sports when it gained the rights to develop the first NFTs based on MotoGP. More recently, Dorna and Animoca Brands have developed ‘MotoGP Ignition’ a management and collectable game platform that’s part of the REVV Motorsport ecosystem of play & earn games.

In addition to this year’s Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix, Animoca Brands are also naming rights sponsor for the Grand Prix of Aragon in September, with two more naming rights rounds to come in 2023.

All Change

Since the last Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix in 2019, we’ve seen two all-new champions in the premier class in Joan Mir and Fabio Quartararo. We’ve seen the retirement of the legendary Valentino Rossi and farewelled other riders like Jorge Lorenzo, Cal Crutchlow and Danilo Petrucci.

In the past two years, we’ve also seen lots of new talent arrive in MotoGP, like Jorge Martin, Enea Bastianini, Brad Binder and our own Remy Gardner.

We’ve seen new race winners – from both factory and satellite teams - the emergence of Aprilia as a race day contender and the bombshell of Suzuki’s imminent exit from the premier class.

But for the past two years, we’ve only been able to see all of those things on our screens. This October, we’ll be able to see all the action and excitement of MotoGP up close and in person again.

We might also see the 2022 World Champion in the MotoGP, Moto2 or Moto3 classes crowned at Phillip Island.

Aussies in Action

The last time MotoGP was at Phillip Island, there were three Aussies in action across the three classes – Jack Miller in MotoGP and Remy Gardner in Moto2, with Yanni Shaw the local wildcard in Moto3.

This year, there are three riders on the full-time grid, with Miller and Gardner in MotoGP, the latter after wrapping up the Moto2 World Championship last year, while rising star Joel Kelso has been making a mark in his debut season in Moto3.

Given Aussie fans have been starved of MotoGP for more than two years, Miller is expecting a big event: “I think the turnout is going to be absolutely awesome this year down at the Island and I just can’t wait to get there and put on a show for them.”

Gardner is just as keen, if a little daunted at the prospect of punting his KTM RC16 around the 4.45km Island circuit.

“I really can’t wait. Even on the Moto2 bike, it was quite scary, so let’s see how it is on the GP bike, which is another hundred horsepower. For sure, it’s going to be great for the Australian fans.”

State of Play

At time of writing, after Round 11 of 20 on this year’s calendar, Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP’s Fabio Quartararo leads the MotoGP championship on 172 points from Aprilia Racing’s Aleix Espargaro on 151 points. Prima Pramac Racing’s Johan Zarco (114 points) and Lenovo Ducati Team’s Francesco Bagnaia (106 points) can’t be discounted from championship contention, while the rising star in the field to this point has been Gresini Racing MotoGP’s Enea Bastianini with three wins.

Jack Miller’s three podiums, including a runner-up finish at Le Mans, sees him sitting in seventh overall on 91 points at the mid-season break and aiming to improve on that position in his final season with the factory Ducati team. Remy Gardner sits in 23rd overall in his rookie season, banking points at four rounds, with a best of eleventh at Catalunya.

In Moto2, it’s the tightest of tight battles amongst the top three, with Celestino Vietti and Augusto Fernandez even on 146 points, closely followed by Ai Ogura on 145 points. Aron Canet (116 points) and Tony Arbolino (104 points) are next best, followed by American Joe Roberts (97) and Marcel Schrotter (88).

It's a similar story in Moto3, with GasGas Aspar team mates Sergio Garcia and Izan Guevara separated by only three points – 182 to 179. Next best is Moto3 veteran and 2021 championship runner-up Dennis Foggia (115 points), followed by Ayumu Sasaki (113), Jaume Masia (107) and Deniz Oncu (98). Australia’s Joel Kelso sits in 21st overall, with a best finish of ninth at Portimao back in April.

Support Categories

In the national paddock, Australian Superbikes and the bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup are locked in as the confirmed support categories for the grand prix, with both grids sure to provide plenty of action.

For Aussie Superbikes, the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix is not part of this year’s championship, but expect a healthy grid in October as the penultimate round is scheduled for Phillip Island a month later.

For the bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup, it's also a non-championship round, but the big grid of juniors will be sure to exploit every second of available track time ahead of their penultimate round in November.

The Aussie classes always put on some fast and furious racing, so make sure you give them your support when they’re on track.

Get Cracking!

The enthusiasm for this year’s grand prix is unprecedented, with many ticket options selling out soon after they went on sale on 28 June. So, if you haven’t started getting your tickets sorted yet, you need to get moving! Here’s a rundown on all the ticketing essentials.

NOTE: listed ticketing options were available at time of writing, but JUST BIKES strongly advise you check the availability of your preferred ticketing options – at motogp.com.au- before making any travel and accommodation plans.

TICKETING OPTIONS

ISLAND PASS

General Admission tickets were rebranded as ‘Island Pass’ in 2019 and the name carries over for 2022. The cheapest and most flexible ticketing option available, an Island Pass gives you the freedom to explore the entire Phillip Island outfield. Some Island Pass options have been reduced in price for 2022, but raceday pricing has increased slightly.

Your Island Pass ticket can be pre-purchased at ticketmaster.com.au (or follow the link from motogp.com.au).

For children aged 14 and under, entry is free when accompanied by a paying adult, but every child entering the event must have a ticket.

NOTE: For an additional $15, you can also purchase a ‘collector ticket’ which is a traditional paper ticket – all other tickets this year are digital only.

NOTE 2: All Island Pass tickets are pre-purchase digital tickets only - THERE WILL BE NO TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE GATE.

Island Pass Ticket Prices

FRIDAY Island Pass Price

Adult $43.00

Concession $25.00

Family $86.00*

SATURDAY Island Pass

Adult $65.00

Concession $47.00

Family $130.00*

SUNDAY Island Pass

Adult $90.00

Concession $65.00

Family $180.00*

2-DAY Island Pass

Adult $140.00

Concession $75.00

Family $280.00*

3-DAY Island Pass

Adult $165.00

Concession $90.00

Family $330.00*

*Family tickets cover 2 x adults and 2 x children up to 14yo.

THE CLUBHOUSE

Situated at Lukey Heights outfield, overlooking MG Corner (Turn 10), this laid-back licensed area, with a cash bar, nearby food outlets, superscreen viewing and indoor and outdoor seating, is the ideal spot to relax and watch the action unfold at one of the prime overtaking locations on the Phillip Island GP Circuit.

This year, ticket prices The Clubhouse entry also include circuit entry, so you don’t have to purchase an Island Pass and Clubhouse ticket separately.

Kids can enter The Clubhouse, but a ticket will need to be purchased in order from them to do so.

NOTE: For an additional $15, you can also purchase a ‘collector ticket’ which is a traditional paper ticket – all other tickets this year are digital only.

The Clubhouse Ticket Prices

Friday

Adult $85.00

Child $33.60

Saturday

Adult $185.00

Child $96.00

Sunday

Adult $250.00

Child $128.00

2-Day Pass

Adult $350.00

Child $168.00

3-Day Pass

Adult $400.00

Child $188.00

NOTE: The Clubhouse ticket is additional to Grandstand and VIP Hospitality tickets.

Children must have a valid ticket to enter The Clubhouse.

GRANDSTAND SEATING

A grandstand seat is a great way to catch more of the action than you would at ground level, with your own reserved spot in one of many prime positions around the circuit. Selected grandstands also offer undercover weather protection and additional facilities.

Grandstand tickets always sell out in advance and many have sold out already, so purchase now to ensure you don’t miss out.

NOTE: Concession pricing is not available on any Grandstand ticket.

Grandstand Seating Prices

Gardner Straight Grandstand (open)

Friday - From $65.00

Saturday - From $130.00

Sunday – SOLD OUT

2-Day Pass (Sat/Sun) – SOLD OUT

3-Day Pass – SOLD OUT

Located on the main straight at Phillip Island, this grandstand is one of the circuit’s most popular, as it puts you opposite the start/finish line, pit lane and the team garages, so you’ll catch all the grid activity, as well as race starts and finishes!

Behind this grandstand is the GP Expo, as well as merchandise stands, bars, food areas and circuit entertainment. This grandstand also has a wheelchair-accessible platform.

Gardner Premium Grandstand (undercover)

Friday - From $65.00

Saturday - From $175.00

Sunday – From $325.00

2-Day Pass (Sat/Sun) – SOLD OUT

3-Day Pass – SOLD OUT

This undercover section of the Gardner Straight Grandstand (northern end) offers wet weather protection and is a great family seating option, with food areas, merchandise stalls, kids’ entertainment and the GP Expo all close by.

Doohan Pavilion (undercover)

Friday - From $65.00

Saturday - From $195.00

Sunday – SOLD OUT

2-Day Pass (Sat/Sun) – SOLD OUT

3-Day Pass – SOLD OUT

Located on the outfield at Southern Loop (Turn 2), giving great views of turns 1, 2, 3 and 4, so you won’t miss any of the opening lap action.

As well as undercover grandstand seating, the Doohan Pavilion has superscreen viewing, a cash bar and food nearby, plus private TV screens, so you won’t miss what’s happening on the circuit, even when you’re away from your seat.

Bass Strait Grandstand (open)

Friday - From $65.00

Saturday - From $130.00

Sunday - From $285.00

2-Day Pass (Sat/Sun) – From $320.00

3-Day Pass - From $355.00

Situated near Turn 3 - aka Stoner Corner – the Bass Strait Grandstand offers spectacular views of one of the fastest parts of the circuit. You’ll also catch action through turns 1, 2 and 4.

With superscreen viewing, this grandstand is also located close to bars, food stalls and merchandise outlets.

Siberia Grandstand (open)

Friday - From $65.00

Saturday - From $130.00

Sunday - From $290.00

2-Day Pass (Sat/Sun) – SOLD OUT

3-Day Pass – SOLD OUT

Located on the outside of Siberia (Turn 6), this stand may sound chilly, but sees plenty of hot action, including battles through turns 4, 5 and 6, as well as riders setting up overtakes through turns 7 and 8.

With superscreen viewing, food, merchandise and bar facilities close by, Siberia also offers stunning Bass Strait views behind you.

Lukey Heights Grandstand (open)

Friday - From $65.00

Saturday - From $130.00

Sunday - From $260.00

2-Day Pass (Sat/Sun) – From $290.00

3-Day Pass – From $315.00

Located at Turn 9 - the highest point of the Phillip Island circuit - the Lukey Heights Grandstand offers a breathtaking view of virtually the entire track, with superscreen viewing (Turn 10 infield), food stalls and The Clubhouse nearby.

Stoner Pavilion (undercover)

Friday - From $65.00

Saturday - From $185.00

Sunday – SOLD OUT

2-Day Pass (Sat/Sun) – SOLD OUT

3-Day Pass – SOLD OUT

Located on the outside of Turn 12, this pavilion offers views through turns 9, 10 and 11, as well as the battles for race wins exiting turn 12.

Stoner Pavilion features superscreen viewing, with a cash bar and food outlets nearby, plus private TV screens, so you won’t miss what’s happening on the circuit when you’re away from your seat.

CAMPGROUND

There are two campground areas – Trackside (bikes only) and Highside (all other vehicles) - both of which are situated close to the circuit near Southern Loop (Turn 2), with premium and powered site options, but these are limited and usually sell out quickly.

Campground tickets cover four nights (Thursday to Sunday) and are separate to Island Pass, Grandstand, The Clubhouse and other ticket options – your campground ticket does not allow entry to the circuit.

Key changes this year include the requirement for all campground sites to be pre-booked - campsites CANNOT be purchased on arrival at the circuit.

Additionally, campground prices will incur an additional fee for each camper on the site and all campground occupants will be sent a wristband, which must be worn at all times. No access to the campground will be allowed without a wristband.

Individual campsites can be pre-selected or will be allocated, but note that virtually all the available sites had already sold out at time of writing.

The pre-pitched tent option introduced in 2018 returns this year, making it easier for riders to spend the weekend without carting their own tent and camping kit. Available in single (3m x 3m), twin (3m x 3m), triple (3m x 3.6m) or quad (6m x 3.6m) share, each tent comes with an awning, roll-up windows, carpeted floors and even stretcher beds, so all you need to bring is your swag and lighting. A bedding pack (pillow, sheets and quilt), table & chairs and eskies are available for extra cost.

NOTE: Powered sites and all pre-pitched tent options were close to selling out at time of writing.

Campground Ticket Prices*

Trackside (4 Nights)

6m x 6m, motorcycles only, tents and limited powered sites

$250.00 non-powered, $300.00 powered + $50.00 for each additional person

Premium Trackside (4 Nights)

6m x 6m, motorcycles only, tents and limited powered sites

SOLD OUT

Trackside – Pre-Pitched Tents (4 Nights)

Single - $375.00

Twin Share - $665.00

Triple Share - $840.00

Quad Share - $960.00

Highside North (4 Nights)

13m x 7m or 8m x 8m, motorcycles, other vehicles, limited powered sites & tents

SOLD OUT

Highside North – Pre-Pitched Tents (4 Nights)

Single - $350.00

Twin Share - $640.00

Triple Share - $780.00

Quad Share - $880.00

Highside South (4 Nights)

13m x 7m or 8m x 8m, motorcycles, other vehicles, limited powered sites & tents

SOLD OUT

NOTE: campground tickets are additional to Island Pass, Grandstand and VIP Hospitality tickets and do not include circuit entry.

Campgrounds are open from 9:00AM Thursday 13 October to 12:00 Noon Monday 17 October.

VIP HOSPITALITY

For the premium experience at the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix, you can’t go past a VIP Hospitality package. Most of these packages have already sold out, with only a few options left at time of writing.

VIP Hospitality Package Prices

VIP Village Platinum

3-Day Pass - SOLD OUT

VIP Village Gold

3-Day Pass - SOLD OUT

VIP Village Lounge

Fri – From $860.00/person

2-Day Pass (Sat/Sun) – SOLD OUT

3-Day Pass – SOLD OUT

Located above the team garages on Gardner Straight (infield), a Pit Roof VIP Village ticket gives you a bird’s eye-view of the pit lane action, the grid and start/finish line action.

As well as a reserved seat in this undercover facility, a VIP Village pass also gets you a hot buffet lunch, morning and afternoon tea, complimentary coffee, tea, beer, wine, cider and soft drink, plus a cash bar for spirits. There’s also superscreen viewing and flat screen TVs, access to a balcony area and the Pit Roof Bar.

Parking (conditions apply), pit lane walks, event programme, event souvenir and access to the VIP shuttle bus are also included.

Gardner Terrace

3-Day Pass – SOLD OUT

Gardner Terrace (previously Gardner Club) combines outdoor trackside seating - just past the start/finish line on Gardner Straight (outfield) - with grandstand seating for views of several key areas of the circuit, as well as reserved seat undercover dining, morning and afternoon tea, drinks, a cash bar for spirits, superscreen viewing, event programme and more.

Champions Club

3-Day Pass – SOLD OUT

Located at Turn 4 (Honda Corner - infield), Champions Club is a fan favourite thanks to the epic overtakes and late braking manoeuvres that happen at this corner.

This VIP package includes undercover reserved seat dining, morning and afternoon tea, drinks, a cash bar for spirits, casual outdoor seating area, flat screen TVs, superscreen viewing, access to the VIP shuttle bus and more.

This VIP option is wheelchair accessible.

High Octane Club

Friday – From $505.00/person

2-Day Pass – SOLD OUT

3-Day Pass - SOLD OUT

Rivalling Champions Club for on-track action, the High Octane Club is positioned at Turn 10 (MG Corner) infield, where you’re sure to witness epic battles for position through Turns 9, 10 and 11.

This VIP package includes undercover reserved seat dining, morning and afternoon tea, beer, wine, soft drink, coffee and tea, plus a cash bar for spirits.

You also get an outdoor viewing area with casual seating, access to the VIP shuttle bus, superscreen viewing, parking, event programme and more.

This VIP option is wheelchair accessible.

NOTE: Terms and conditions apply to all VIP Hospitality options. Got to: motogp.com.au or ticketmaster.com.au for more details, or call (03) 9533 9082 (VIP Hospitality enquires only).

TRAVEL OPTIONS

CATCH A COACH

Take the hassle out of getting to and from the Phillip Island circuit with a five-star coach.

Services from Melbourne (departing from Southern Cross Station’s bus terminal) to Phillip Island run from Thursday through Monday at various times, with one-way options starting from $25.

Coaches also run from Cranbourne and Clayton to the circuit.

Thu - Southern Cross to Phillip Island (one-way) - $25/person

Fri - Southern Cross to Phillip Island (one-way) - $25/person

Fri - Phillip Island to Southern Cross (one-way) - $25/person

Sat - Southern Cross to Phillip Island (one-way) - $30/person

Sat - Phillip Island to Southern Cross (one-way) - $30/person

Sun - Southern Cross to Phillip Island (one-way) - $35/person

Sun - Phillip Island to Southern Cross (one-way) - $35/person

Mon - Phillip Island to Southern Cross (one-way) - $30/person

Sun – Clayton to Phillip Island (return) - $60/person

Sun – Cranbourne to Phillip Island (return) - $60/person

A pre-booked wheelchair coach service will also operate from Southern Cross to Phillip Island each day. Bookings are recommended for all coach options. To book your seat, view the schedule and get more information, head to motogp.com.au.

To find out more about ticketing options, including updates on availability, as well as all Terms and Conditions, go to: motogp.com.au.

Call (03) 9258 7100 for general and ticketing enquiries.

Call (03) 9533 9082 for VIP hospitality enquiries.

NOTE: All ticketing options were correct at press time, but JUST BIKES strongly advises you check the availability of your preferred ticketing option before making further plans.

Conditions apply for all ticket purchases. See motogp.com.au for further details.