The legends of Phillip Island

 As a tribute to the final MotoGP on Phillip Island, the Advertiser created a series of five souvenir posters, featuring the riders who made an indelible mark on the island track. The final poster featuring Wayne Gardner is in this week’s paper. A limited number of the previous posters are still available from the Advertiser office at 60 Chapel Street in Cowes.

Marc Márquez – Island Wins: 2015, 2017, 2019, 2024

In recent years, no rider has mastered Phillip Island quite like Marc Márquez. The Spaniard has claimed four MotoGP victories at the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix, winning in 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2024, making him one of the most successful riders of the modern era at this iconic circuit.

From record-breaking pace to unforgettable comeback rides, Márquez has carved out a lasting legacy at Phillip Island, delivering some of the circuit's most thrilling moments and cementing his place among its all-time greats.

Fittingly, this legend is back on the track for the last ever island event, currently sitting at number two on the championship race, just two points behind Jorge Martin.

 Valentino Rossi – Island Wins: 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2014

Few riders captured the heart of Phillip Islanders like Valentino Rossi. Fondly known as The Doctor, Rossi’s legacy at the island is unmatched. He claimed five unforgettable victories around the iconic circuit during his career – and that was just in the premier class.

He holds the record for the most wins on the island, with two wins in 250cc and another in 500cc.

From his early dominance, including a remarkable victory despite a 10-second penalty, to his emotional triumph in 2014, Rossi's success at Phillip Island helped cement his place among the sport's all-time greats.

More than a decade after his final Island victory, Rossi's influence is still impossible to miss, as fans in fluorescent yellow continue to descend on Phillip Island every October.

 Casey Stoner – Island Wins: 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012

His miraculous six back-to-back wins earned Casey Stoner the title of The King of the Island.

Casey Stoner's connection with Phillip Island is legendary. Fans flocked to see the Australian rider dominated the circuit. His connection with the Phillip Island track was described by motogp.com.au as “a case study in how a rider and circuit can align perfectly at the highest level of the sport”.

His six straight premier class wins remains one of the sport's greatest records, and his 2012 win at Phillip Island was his final Australian podium.

His speed, precision and seemingly effortless style made him almost unbeatable around Phillip Island, earning him a place as one of the circuit's greatest-ever riders.

 Mick Doohan – Island Wins: 1998

In 1998, Phillip Island saw one of its most famous wins. Mick Doohan mastered the island track to claim victory on home soil and secure his fifth consecutive 500cc World Championship, cementing his place among the greatest riders the sport has ever seen.

A World Champion, homegrown hero, and Australian motorsport legend, he remains a strong favourite with the Phillip Island fans.

 Wayne Gardner – Island Wins: 1989, 1990

Australian success at Phillip Island begins with Wayne Gardner, who set the tone at the circuit’s very first world championship events.

Gardner claimed back-to-back premier class victories in 1989 and 1990, immediately establishing both himself and Phillip Island on the global stage.

Instrumental in the bid to bring the race to Australia and the island, his victory in 1989 was a fitting result after his part in the campaign to secure and promote the event.

The first Australian to win motorcycling's premier class, Gardner was hero to the local crowds, and a two-time Island winner.

In a special tribute and a first for the Phillip Island Circuit, three of the legends – Casey Stoner, Wayne Gardner and Mick Doohan, will take to the track together for the Legends Lap on Sunday ahead of the main race.