Australian GP Icons Lead Epic Phillip Island Parade

The annual tradition of the Phillip Island Parade is a genuine highlight of the Liqui Moly Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix programme, and the 2025 edition proved to be its own star attraction once again. Ahead of a highly anticipated weekend of premier class racing, a stellar line-up of current and former riders saddled up for the classic ride across the Island, joining hundreds of excited fans.

Leading the charge for the pre-event procession was two-time MotoGP™ World Champion and Hall of Famer, Casey Stoner. The Australian icon, whose mastery of the Phillip Island circuit is legendary, was joined by a formidable contingent from the current grid, including the reigning champion, Francesco Bagnaia of the Ducati Lenovo Team. It was a picturesque way for the riders to arrive at one of the world’s most celebrated racetracks, weaving through the Island’s stunning scenery and receiving a warm welcome from the local community before the weekend’s battle commences.

The group of premier class participants was a real favourite with the crowd. Alongside Bagnaia, Aprilia Racing’s Marco Bezzecchi and the recent Indonesian GP winner, Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP), were present to soak up the atmosphere. Red Bull KTM Tech3’s Enea Bastianini completed the list of international stars who joined the ride.

Of course, the local contingent was strongly represented by the ever-popular Jack Miller. The Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP rider, a true Aussie larrikin, always draws a huge crowd and relishes the chance to engage with his home supporters before the serious business begins. For Miller and Stoner, the parade is a chance to celebrate the sport with the fans who travel from all over to cheer on their favourite racers. The sheer number of fans who joined the procession, riding their own bikes from the mainland, highlighted the deep passion Australians have for two-wheeled motorsport.

The parade’s journey began in San Remo, a small coastal fishing town connected to Phillip Island by the bridge, marking the official entry point. From there, the cavalcade of superbikes and fans followed a carefully mapped route, winding through the stunning landscape before finally arriving at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. Upon arrival, the riders and fans were afforded a special treat: a couple of celebratory laps of the iconic 4.448-kilometre circuit. The riders, however, kept the speed respectable—ensuring the fun remained firmly on the right side of ‘non-hooligan’ territory.

This event offers a rare opportunity for fans to ride in close proximity to their idols, on the roads that lead to one of the most revered circuits in the world. The stunning ocean views and crisp spring air make for a truly unique experience, one that every Grand Prix enthusiast ought to realise the value of. The atmosphere was further enriched by the inclusion of emerging Australian talent from the feeder classes, reinforcing the connection between the highest level of the sport and its developing stars.

Representing the Moto2™ class was Senna Agius (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP), a young Aussie hoping to emulate the success of previous local riders. In Moto3™, Joel Kelso (LEVELUP – MTA) and Jacob Roulstone (Red Bull KTM Tech3) also joined the cavalcade, demonstrating the pathway from the grassroots to the pinnacle of two-wheeled racing. Having these future stars, like Agius, Kelso, and Roulstone, present alongside Hall of Famers like Stoner and current World Champions like Bagnaia makes the parade a meaningful occasion for the entire Australian motorsport community.

Speaking after the ride, Stoner articulated what makes the Australian venue so special to everyone involved. The MotoGP™ legend was quoted as saying: "This racetrack is unlike anything around the world." This sentiment rings true for racers and fans alike, recognising the challenging layout, the high-speed changes of direction, and the breathtaking coastal setting that gives the circuit its truly singular character.

With the parade complete and the riders now settled into the paddock, all eyes turn towards the weekend’s schedule. The energy and passion generated by the ride from San Remo will no doubt carry over into the thrilling on-track action as Bagnaia, Miller, Bastianini, Aldeguer, Bezzecchi, and the entire MotoGP™ grid prepare to battle it out for the Australian Grand Prix trophy.