MotoGP announces new start time for Australian GP after weather delays

The Australian Grand Prix, the last-ever MotoGP race at Phillip Island circuit, was delayed by over two hours due to poor weather conditions on Sunday. The race, originally scheduled for 2pm, will now commence at 4:30pm local time (5:30am GMT). The pitlane is set to open at 4pm local time. Melbourne's heavy rain and low visibility have prevented the MotoGP's medical helicopter from operating, a critical requirement under championship rules for airlifting injured riders to hospital.

Organisers had to repeatedly adjust the schedule, with the last change made at 2pm when the revised start time was announced. As visibility improves, the provisional pitlane opening time for the MotoGP Grand Prix at Red Bull Grand Prix of Australia is now 16:00 local time. The Moto3 and Moto2 races have been cancelled due to the delays caused by poor visibility, affecting the medical helicopter's operation.

Track action for the day was initially set to begin at 9:40am with the MotoGP warm-up, but this was rescheduled to 11am before being cancelled. Moto3 and Moto2 races at Phillip Island were also cancelled as the day progressed, with priority given to the premier class. Poor weather had been forecast throughout the weekend at Phillip Island, worsening by Sunday.

There were discussions about altering the schedule at the start of the weekend, but no changes were implemented. All Saturday sessions proceeded as scheduled, with qualifying taking place in wet conditions before the circuit dried for the sprint race.