The wait is over! The 2025 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship roars into life with the iconic Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit hosting the Australian Round. As engines fire up and the season gets underway, there are plenty of fascinating stats and milestones to keep an eye on—and Phillip Island promises nothing short of adrenaline-pumping action.
A Circuit Built for Speed and Spectacle
Phillip Island has long been a favourite for WorldSBK fans and riders alike, and it’s not hard to see why. The circuit holds the record for the most WorldSBK races run at a single venue with 70 thrilling races, edging out Assen’s 68 races. The track has seen 29 different race winners and 57 different riders standing proudly on the podium—a testament to the unpredictable and competitive nature of racing Down Under.
Speed demons will be watching closely to see if anyone can break the jaw-dropping top speed record set just last year by Xavi Vierge (Honda HRC), who clocked a blistering 335.4 kph during the Superpole Race. And let’s not forget Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati), who set the benchmark for the highest average speed in a Tissot Superpole session in 2024, with a scorching 182.014 kph lap.
Ducati’s Dominance and Phillip Island’s Legacy
Ducati’s love affair with Phillip Island continues to grow, with an impressive 33 victories at the track, making them the most successful manufacturer at this circuit. They’ve also amassed 79 podium finishes here, trailing only their own records at Misano (100 podiums) and Assen (89 podiums). Remarkably, Ducati has been on the podium at Phillip Island every year since 2020.
But Phillip Island is more than just a Ducati stronghold. The circuit has witnessed six different manufacturers take the top step of the podium, with Kawasaki claiming 15 wins, while Suzuki, Aprilia, Yamaha (six each), and Honda (four) continue to chase the leaders.
History in the Making
A major milestone could be in sight for Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team). With 57 career wins, he sits just two victories shy of tying Carl Fogarty’s legendary 59-win mark for third place on the all-time list. Ahead of him are the giants of the sport: Jonathan Rea (Pata Maxus Yamaha) with 119 wins and Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) with 63.
Bautista himself has carved his own chapter in Phillip Island history, becoming the most successful rider at the circuit in 2023 with eight victories. His stunning debut win in 2019, with a record-breaking 14.983-second margin over Rea, remains the largest winning gap in a dry race at this iconic venue.
Close Finishes and Australian Glory
Phillip Island is synonymous with photo finishes, with 18 races decided by less than a tenth of a second—more than any other circuit in WorldSBK history. Fans will be hoping for another nail-biting finish this weekend.
Local fans, however, are eager to see an Australian on the top step once again. The last homegrown winner at Phillip Island came back in 2008, when Troy Bayliss thrilled the crowd with a double victory. Australian riders have won their home race here 23 times—could 2025 be the year that tally grows?
Grid Position Matters—Except When It Doesn’t
Interestingly, the last nine races at Phillip Island have all been won from the first three grid positions, highlighting the importance of a strong qualifying performance. But history has a funny way of defying expectations: back in 2009, Noriyuki Haga stormed to victory from 13th on the grid in Race 1, making his way to the front after just four laps. That same race remains the only time in WorldSBK history that the podium featured three riders who started outside the top ten.
All Eyes on Phillip Island
As the WorldSBK paddock prepares for another breathtaking season, Phillip Island is poised to deliver its signature mix of high-speed thrills, dramatic finishes, and unforgettable moments. Whether it’s a record-breaking run, a photo-finish battle, or a surprise comeback, Round 1 of the 2025 championship promises to set the tone for what looks to be an electrifying season.
Stay tuned—the lights are about to go out, and Phillip Island is ready to put on a show.
