The first free practice for the Moto2 class will be held at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit in Victoria, Australia, on Thursday, October 16, 2025. This session opens the Moto2 weekend and gives teams their first on-track running in Australian conditions. Phillip Island is known for its fast, flowing layout, sweeping curves, and exposure to coastal winds and shifting track temperatures. These elements make the early sessions critical for establishing baseline setups and assessing grip levels before qualifying and race runs.
The Moto2 field is affected by injuries and substitutions. Denis Öncü will miss the Australian round after fracturing his leg and will be replaced by Daniel Muñoz. Unai Orradre is replaced by Harrison Voight following a left wrist issue. These changes mean that both Muñoz and Voight will be under pressure to adapt quickly to unfamiliar machines and conditions. Meanwhile, championship leader Manuel González had crashes in earlier sessions, raising concerns about his physical condition and consistency heading into practice.
Given the uncertainty in conditions and rider lineups, teams are expected to adopt cautious, structured tactics in Free Practice 1. Instead of chasing fast laps immediately, most squads will run multiple stints to gather data on tyre wear, balance changes under fuel load, and stability through high-speed sectors. Engineers will test various suspension settings, aerodynamic tweaks, and tyre compounds to understand how the bikes behave on cold tyres and in changing wind conditions. Substitute riders will likely be instructed to make smooth, consistent runs, provide feedback, and avoid pushing beyond the grip limits prematurely.
Press previews of the Moto2 session highlight how the replacements and recent crashes have added unpredictability to the weekend. Analysts are speculating that riders like Diogo Moreira and Senna Agius could gain an advantage if González shows signs of fragility or caution. Media are pointing out that Phillip Island punishes over-eagerness, and mistakes in practice often force compromise in qualifying or race. Commentary frames this as a potentially pivotal weekend, where small errors could shift momentum in the championship fight.
In studio panels and trackside analysis, commentators are focusing on consistency, adaptability, and tyre management as likely deciding factors. Analysts believe that the riders who can maintain stable lap times despite wind shifts will shine. There is particular attention on how quickly the replacement riders, Muñoz and Voight, can deliver usable feedback without damaging confidence or machinery. Free Practice 1 may already start to separate those who are comfortable with Phillip Island’s quirks from those who will struggle, laying the groundwork for the rest of the weekend.
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