Down on the southern edge of Australia, where the ocean meets the cliffs, Phillip Island could be mistaken for a film set, the kind where engines roar, tyres scream, and every horizon feels like it leads straight into the outback. It’s racing’s own Fury Road, a place where style meets survival and bravery is the only currency that matters.
For Italjet Gresini Racing’s Moto2 duo Albert Arenas and Darryn Binder the Australian GP was pure cinema: speed framed by sea spray, tension carved into every lap, and that unmistakable Aussie edge that makes Phillip Island one of the most spectacular battlegrounds in the world.
Friday, Warming the Engines
Momentum carried over from Indonesia, and Binder wasted no time. He wrangled his Kalex through Phillip Island’s fast curves with the confidence of a veteran scavenger on a fresh stretch of highway, direct entry to Q2, mission accomplished.
“I’m really happy with today: I love riding in Phillip Island, I enjoy the circuit a lot. We managed to keep the momentum rolling from last race. This morning we had limited track time with a mixed condition, but this afternoon we made a good step forward every run and I managed to get a spot directly to Q2, and that was the goal for today, I’m really happy.” - Darryn Binder
Arenas stayed composed, visor down, movements sharp, like a road warrior idling on the start line, throttle twitching, reading the chaos ahead before choosing when to attack.
“It was a challenging day: unfortunately we didn’t secure the access to Q2 even though for very little. This afternoon I did five laps which were similar between each other, and we eventually lacked the quick one. We need to work on the feeling and tomorrow morning, we’ll make the most of FP2 at this track which I really like, so that we can be ready for qualifying with the goal of making it into Q2, before putting together a strong lap which could put us on the front rows.” - Albert Arenas
Saturday, The Road to the Grid
Saturday’s qualifying was all about grit and nerve. Binder threw down a P9, Arenas followed in P11, two bikes ready to roll into battle.
No chaos, no theatrics. Just throttle, line, repeat.
If the Road Warrior world had a pit lane, this would be it, everyone racing for position before the next storm.
Sunday, Gasoline, Grit, and Glory
When the lights hit green, the race turned feral. Arenas carved through the field, joining the podium fight before tyre wear and brake fade took the edge off. Still, he crossed the line 8th, eyes forward, already plotting his return to the front.
“Today’s race was really a wonderful one: we made it into the podium battle so in the end, eighth place leaves us with some bitter taste in our mouths, but in the last six laps the feeling with the tyre and under braking had dropped, so my only thought was to bring home as many points as possible. Overall I’m happy: we made a good progression during the whole weekend, we were close to the podium, I felt strong and had plenty of fun. We’re wrapping up the weekend without the result we wanted, but still it’s another top ten with some important points for the championship: we’ll keep working to be even readier in Malaysia, where I want to be back in the podium battle.” - Albert Arenas
Binder fought through the pack, battling grip issues and traffic to finish 14th, another handful of points, another day survived on the open road.
“Overall it has been a positive weekend, we made a lot of steps forward: direct seed to Q2 and a good enough grid position, so I was expecting a lot more from the race. I’m really disappointed with my result but I really tried my best to gain some places after the start, but I was struggling a little bit more than yesterday. Anyway we go home with some points, so let’s try to see everything in a positive way and see what will happen in Malaysia.” - Darryn Binder
Thunderdome Without the Dust
Phillip Island might be green and coastal, but the spirit of Beyond Thunderdome is alive here, no mercy, no second chances. It’s a racetrack where every corner tests your nerve and every lap feels like another duel in the desert.
The Italjet Gresini boys didn’t need mohawks or shoulder pads; the roar of their engines was battle cry enough.
They came, they fought, they left with their bikes intact and points in their pockets, the modern-day road warriors of Moto2.
Where They Stand After Australia
🏁 Phillip Island 2025 Moto2 Results
- Albert Arenas - P8
- Darryn Binder - P14
📊 Current Championship Standings (after Round 17)
- Albert Arenas: 127 points → 8th overall
- Darryn Binder: 19 points → 23rd overall
Both riders now head to Malaysia, a circuit that’ll trade sea air for heat haze, and cool asphalt for burning rubber. The next stage on this endless road.
Next Stop: Sepang.
Same road. Different war.
Because in racing, as in the wasteland, the only rule is to keep moving.
