The 2008 Australian motorcycle Grand Prix

The sixteenth round of the 2008 Grand Prix motorcycle racing (MotoGP) season was recently held on a track on the southern coast of Australia. The 2008 Australian motorcycle Grand Prix took place on Phillip Island, on the weekend of October 3rd, with several practice sessions earlier. Grand prix motorcycle has three classes, 125cc, 250cc and MotoGP - each with their own standings. Winners at the Phillip Island Circuit this year were France's Mike Di Meglio - 125cc, Italy's Marco Simoncelli - 250cc, and Australia's Casey Stoner in MotoGP. The 2008 Grand Finale will take place in Valencia, Spain on October 26th. (23 photos total)

Casey Stoner of Australia and the Ducati Team turns out of a bend during the Australian MotoGP at the Phillip Island Circuit on October 5, 2008 in Phillip Island, Australia. (Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Yamaha MotoGP rider Jorge Lorenzo of Spain sits wearing his helmet in the pits area during the first free practice session of the Australian Grand Prix at Phillip Island October 3, 2008. (REUTERS/Mick Tsikas) #

Newly-crowned MotoGP world champion Valentino Rossi (R) of Italy leads Randy De Puniet (C) of France and compatriot Andrea Davizioso (L) through a corner during the Australian MotoGP race at Phillip Island on October 5, 2008. (PAUL CROCK/AFP/Getty Images) #

Japan's Hiroshi Aoyama tumbles off his machine during the first 250cc qualifying session for Sunday's Australian Motorcycling Grand Prix at Phillip Island, Australia, Friday, Oct. 3, 2008. (AP Photo/Rob Griffith) #

Valentino Rossi of Italy lifts a wheel during the third MotoGP practice session at the Phillip Island track, some 150 kilometres south-east of Melbourne, on October 4, 2008. (WILLIAM WEST/AFP/Getty Images) #

Casey Stoner of Australia and the Ducati Team and Nicky Hayden of the USA and the Repsol Honda Team come over a hill during the Australian MotoGP at the Phillip Island Circuit on October 5, 2008 in Phillip Island, Australia. (Quinn Rooney/Getty Images) #

Colin Edwards of the USA and the Tech 3 Yamaha Team in action during practice for the Australian MotoGP at the Phillip Island Circuit on October 3, 2008 in Phillip Island, Australia. (Robert Cianflone/Getty Images) #

(1 of 3) Aprilia 250cc rider Alex Debon of Spain crashes in the first qualifying practice session of the Australian Grand Prix at Phillip Island October 3, 2008. (REUTERS/Mick Tsikas) #

(2 of 3) Aprilia 250cc rider Alex Debon of Spain crashes in the first qualifying practice session of the Australian Grand Prix at Phillip Island October 3, 2008. (REUTERS/Mick Tsikas) #

(3 of 3) Aprilia 250cc rider Alex Debon of Spain crashes in the first qualifying practice session of the Australian Grand Prix at Phillip Island October 3, 2008. (REUTERS/Mick Tsikas) #

Nicky Hayden of the US (R) passes Italian Valentino Rossi (L) during the second MotoGP practice session at Australia's Phillip Island track on October 3, 2008. (WILLIAM WEST/AFP/Getty Images) #

Randy De Puniet of France powers through "Siberia Corner" during the Australian MotoGP race at Phillip Island on October 5, 2008. (PAUL CROCK / AFP/Getty Images) #

Ducati MotoGP rider Casey Stoner of Australia rides during the third free practice session of the Australian Grand Prix at Phillip Island October 4, 2008. (REUTERS/Mick Tsikas) #

Marco Simoncelli of Italy puts on a show for the crowd after winning the 250cc race at the Australian Grand Prix at Phillip Island on October 5, 2008. Simoncelli held off a spirited challenge from championship rival Alvaro Bautista to win the Australian Grand Prix and edge closer to his first 250cc world crown. (PAUL CROCK/AFP/Getty Images) #

Alvaro Bautista of Spain leans heavily into a corner during the final qualifying session for the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix at Phillip Island on October 4, 2008. (PAUL CROCK/AFP/Getty Images) #

Lorenzo Zanetti of Italy crashes, but later posted the 20th fastest time in the 125cc class of the Australian Grand Prix at the Phillip Island track, on October 4, 2008. (WILLIAM WEST/AFP/Getty Images) #

Hector Faubel (foreground) of Spain recovers after being thrown from his bike during the 250cc race of the Australian Grand Prix at the Phillip Island track, on October 5, 2008. (WILLIAM WEST/AFP/Getty Images) #

Australia's Casey Stoner leans into a corner on the first lap during the 2008 Australian MotoGP in Phillip Island, Australia, on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2008. Stoner won the race ahead of Italy's Valentino Rossi and America's Nicky Hayden. (AP Photo/Rob Griffith) #

A seagull flies into the path of Alvaro Bautista of Spain and the Mapfree Aspar Team during 250cc race at the Phillip Island Circuit on October 5, 2008 in Phillip Island, Australia. (Quinn Rooney/Getty Images) #

Jorge Lorenzo of Spain lifts a wheel during the first MotoGP practice session at the Phillip Island track on October 3, 2008. (WILLIAM WEST/AFP/Getty Images) #

Casey Stoner of Australia and the Ducati Team in action on a wet track, during a practice run for the Australian MotoGP at the Phillip Island Circuit on October 3, 2008 in Phillip Island, Australia. (Robert Cianflone/Getty Images) #

Marco Simoncelli of Italy and the Metis Gilera Team celebrates winning the 250cc race at the Phillip Island Circuit on October 5, 2008 in Phillip Island, Australia. (Quinn Rooney/Getty Images) #

Marco Simoncelli of Italy kisses his trophy after winning the 250cc race of the Australian Grand Prix at the Phillip Island track on October 5, 2008. Alvaro Bautista of Spain finished in second and Mika Kallio of Finland in third. (WILLIAM WEST/AFP/Getty Images) #

More links and information

MotoGP - Official website

Grand Prix motorcycle racing - Wikipedia entry

2008 Australian motorcycle Grand Prix - Wikipedia entry

Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit - Australia, Google Map

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Seagull!

Posted by James T Kirk October 10, 08 12:01 PM

Wowww!!.
Amazing shots like allways! =)

I love it...

Ant�nio Chagas - www.antchagas.com

Posted by Ant�nio Chagas October 10, 08 12:03 PM

Great! ..as usual... Compliments | http://davidlatache.blogspot.com/

Posted by DLT photography October 10, 08 12:13 PM

Remind me never to buy a motorcycle!

Posted by Jon Kovac October 10, 08 12:18 PM

Extraordinarias realmente... excelentes barridos, y super n�tidas las motos! =D

Posted by Rodolfo Palominos October 10, 08 12:25 PM

It is nice to see an American news outlet use pictures from non-American niche sports, this and the F1 images. Thanks.

Posted by Tom Leininger October 10, 08 12:26 PM

It's just one really incredible photograph after the other. I want to hang up my lenses.

Posted by Tim B. October 10, 08 12:28 PM

I'd really like to know what kind of gear the photographers used...(probably out of my price range).

Posted by Nick October 10, 08 12:46 PM

More amazing racing pictures. Thank You!

Posted by Viking October 10, 08 12:49 PM

Fly, lesbian seagull! Fly!

Posted by lance manion October 10, 08 12:49 PM

och.. please, someone, fly me on the rear seat.

marvellous photos.

Posted by nanimo October 10, 08 12:58 PM

awesome!

Posted by drow October 10, 08 01:01 PM

Go Speed Racer!

Posted by K October 10, 08 01:15 PM

I like photo #13 best.

One of my readers made me an honorary Australian because she liked my sense of humor so I felt compelled to comment on an Australian event!

http://contentinacottage.blogspot.com

Posted by Content in a Cottage October 10, 08 01:31 PM

Go, go, go.... :)
Fantastic photos!

Alex
http://www.recentnews.co.uk

Posted by Alex October 10, 08 01:35 PM

To the point in #8, though it would be really great know what they were using (i'm sure it's well out of the average amateur's price range), it would be great to also get an idea of the picture characteristics (exposure, aperture, etc.)

Keep up the good work boston.com!

Posted by SH October 10, 08 01:46 PM

@8 It's a very bad idea to try to brake by grabbing the rotor...

Posted by PissedOffCil October 10, 08 02:23 PM

Nice photos, very colorful.

Typo in #21 - Ductai Team -> Ducati Team

Posted by XMf October 10, 08 02:28 PM

@16 - these motorcycles are prototypes; the machinery that the front runners are on can't be bought by people like you and me. what you can do, though, is lease a 'customer bike' if you can demonstrate to the factory that you have the means and the rider to race competitively.

or you can buy a slightly older model that's trickled down and go out on your own. i raced a 125 for two years and it was a total blast. finicky as all get out, hard to ride, but so rewarding.

Posted by jason October 10, 08 02:40 PM

See some French motorcycle photo (including Le Mans or Bol d'Or world endurance races) at www.esprit-racing.com or www.world-endurance.com or www.fsbk.fr)

Posted by Suricat October 10, 08 03:08 PM

Big Picture - My favourite site on the net. Stunning shots as always.

Posted by Tim October 10, 08 03:24 PM

Makes you want to try it eh...

Posted by Louis October 10, 08 03:52 PM

I would like to go 150 around the turns

Posted by Louis October 10, 08 03:53 PM

� �� . �� : �� .

Posted by Eugene October 10, 08 04:07 PM

great photos.. as usual.
Compliments!!

Posted by robie October 10, 08 04:07 PM

Skidmarks included!
www.FilthyRichmond.com

Posted by Joss October 10, 08 04:22 PM

SEAGULL!

Awesome pictures as always

Posted by Doug October 10, 08 04:31 PM

Wow, those crash photos are absolutely stunning!

www.privacy.de.tc

Posted by Jeff Woods October 10, 08 05:11 PM

Las fotografias son estupendas, No hay nada como las carreras de Motocicletas.
Wow Oustanding

Posted by Ed Rodas October 10, 08 05:22 PM

I never thought I'd see the day when Boston.com had motorcycle racing images. Awesome!

Posted by Sean October 10, 08 05:38 PM

Wow, number 11 is one of the best MotoGP shots I've ever seen. I'm really glad to see an American newspaper covering "un-American" sports!

Posted by Tom October 10, 08 05:46 PM

loooong lens, digital body, either of the top Canon or Nikon, and very impotant, a press pass so you can get to the right spot to shoot from. Exposure, take your choice for a slow or fast shutter, but you have to be very very good at this, as teh bikes are moving at speeds between 60 and 200 mph, so choose your spot and be very good at moving the camera to keep the bike in the frame. Not easy to do, I have tried... These guys are useing 6000$ or more lens's...

Posted by bvocal October 10, 08 09:33 PM

I was completely taken by the 19th image. What a shot.

Posted by Joe Lennon October 10, 08 11:48 PM

I never realized that KTMs require a completely different method of hanging off to get them to corner in the rain.

Posted by Matt Knowles October 11, 08 12:29 AM

incredible images - having been to the Island GP, I have to say I never saw such detail as in these shots!

Posted by Shaun Richardson October 11, 08 12:35 AM

For anyone curious as to what's in a sports photographer's kit, here's what one pro took to the Olympics. Racing photography certainly has different demands from shooting, say, gymnastics, but I think it's a safe bet that any pro working the courses would have multiple bodies and lenses at the ready plus computer equipment to store or transmit all the photos.

http://www.vincentlaforet.com/Gear/index.html

Posted by The Fool October 11, 08 12:36 AM

Thanks for posting these images Boston.com from a Boston-based amateur motorcycle racer! This gallery has been making the rounds in the motorcycle community and every is jazzed to see them posted on such a national news outlet. If any New Englanders like what they see, be sure to check out the local (amateur) action just 80 miles north of the city! The season just ended, but will be cranking back up in April and is a fun way to spend a weekend day. www.lrrsracing.com and www.raceloudon.com

Posted by Alex October 11, 08 01:14 AM

Another secret to getting pictures of this quality: Luck. You can however improve your chances of getting a good image significantly by taking LOTS of pictures. Good equipment helps a lot, but the finest equipment in the world won't get pictures like this if you are afraid to push the shutter button. Digital cameras make this affordable. Remember when pictures cost real money to take?

Posted by Mike Young October 11, 08 02:00 AM

raced briefly on a Ducati thumper- loved #21, also #13

Terrific pics all around

Posted by Stephen October 11, 08 02:14 AM

as an amateur photographer and MotoGP racing fan all I can say is: these are some mighty amazing pictures !

#13 is my favorite, extremely difficult shot !

Posted by Me, David October 11, 08 03:03 AM

Vrrrooooommmm..... :)

Posted by Louise October 11, 08 06:07 AM

Amazing photograpy, the clarity and depth of field are outstanding! But you know I don't get the sense of speed for some reason. Pictures 11 & 12 are definitely wallpaper material. Go Nicky Hayden!!!

Posted by JoeS October 11, 08 12:52 PM

Whats up with the guy's leg on picture #11?

Posted by Jonas October 11, 08 12:59 PM

#43, that's a knee puck, a replaceable plastic piece that wears away when riders put their knees on the pavement. Better to wear away a replaceable plastic piece rather than their leathers.

If you're not familiar with motorcycle racing, the knee on the pavement is intentional, and not a sign of an impending crash.

Posted by Matt Knowles October 11, 08 01:26 PM

sweet pics,cheers

Posted by craig October 11, 08 02:17 PM

Excellent quality pictures taken at one of the premiere motorcycling events in the world! Thanks!

Posted by R. Herrington October 12, 08 12:25 AM

Some very nice pics - great place Phillip Island

Regards
http://www.ozracingwrap.com.au

Posted by OzRacingWrap October 12, 08 04:51 AM

Some cracking pics there - congrats to the various snappers involved.

Posted by Grumpy Old Git October 12, 08 09:09 AM

Bloody great shots, I saw the races

Posted by Bandit October 12, 08 04:53 PM

Comment 34 is ace!

Posted by Vince October 12, 08 06:53 PM

The photos were great! And the action too! To capture very dramatic shots is "born talent!" You must be using the a really good camera.

Posted by ReneR October 12, 08 11:21 PM

Wow, amazing pictures. They make me want to go out and drop a few $K on a DSLR and a massive zoom lens. :)

Cheers,
Paul Michaels
http://www.PaulsTravelPictures.com

Posted by Paul October 12, 08 11:24 PM

As always, the sharpness is stunning. After spending a weekend trying to get the kids in focus, it is somehow discouraging to see how Mick Tsikasi and co. catch a 100 mph bike sharp as a razorblade.
http://www.pagelift.dk

Posted by S�ren October 13, 08 02:53 AM

Man those are some stunning pics!!!!

Posted by Mark Backler October 13, 08 06:13 AM

Awesome, awesome pics. Thanks for adding them to the Globe. Hope to see more in the future.

Posted by Jingle Ballz October 13, 08 08:31 AM

Re 43/44,

That is a extra tall puck for wet tracks. Much taller to keep the rider more upright at full lean. You can see the dry track pucks allow more lean before contact.....

Posted by Joe F. ex AFM 237 October 13, 08 09:58 AM

@19, you're a chop. He's talking about the camera gear, not the bikes.

Posted by Bertus Ras October 13, 08 10:14 AM

Amazing images

Posted by marvoging October 13, 08 12:43 PM

A lot of comments about how it's nice to see an American news outlet cover an un-american sport. I agree. The sad thing is that even when American rider Nicky Hayden, from Kentucky, won the Moto GP Champion ship in 2006, nobody cared. It's almost as if the sport is not taken seriously. The funny thing is that most of those races have better attendance and viewership than the Super Bowl, Which I am a big fan of. This reminds me of a time when soccer was never covered by the American media or taken seriously by most Americans at all. Even when the World Cup came the the US in 1994 it was still not covered very well. In fact, the headline on my local paper after the final that year read like this, "A silly end to a silly spot." That year the final was decided by a shoot out so the end score was zero zero. Fortunately soccer worked its way into American mainstream culture and the same will eventually happen with Moto GP. Too bad it didn't happen when Nicky Hayden won the championship.

Posted by Luis Sanchez Saturno October 13, 08 02:18 PM

Les photos sont exceptionnelles, on appr�cie m�me si on n'est pas fan de motos !

Posted by Ana October 13, 08 09:15 PM

Valentino Rossi sei grande..

Posted by mikele October 14, 08 02:11 AM

i know a few of the guys in there, Robert Cianflone and Rob Griffith, both shoot Canon, Rob was using a 1D2N last time i saw him and Robert was using 1DMarkIII's just this weekend, both have 500/f4, 400/2.8, 300/2.8 and a variety of smaller zooms and primes, knowing phillip island they probably used 600mm and might have even had the new 800mm canons

Posted by michaelv October 14, 08 07:33 AM

Fantastic images

Posted by marvoging October 14, 08 08:40 AM

That's SWEEETT!!
www.KyleKorpi.com

Posted by Kyle October 14, 08 11:01 AM

Great photos.. as usual.

Thomas
http://www.tomaszkobiela.pl

Posted by Tomasz October 14, 08 12:24 PM

I can't believe how many people have posted comments about MotoGP being a "Non-American Sport"! Well people guess what? There are 3 Americans on the 18 Rider Grid for MotoGP, there are 2 MotoGP races held in America (Laguna Seca and Indy), most countries only get 1 race/year. And the 2006 MotoGP World Champion was Nicky Hayden and amazingly enough, he's an American from Kentucky!
BTW - Great article and Pics! Maybe your exposure will help people realize that MotoGP IS an American Sport.

Posted by JFT October 14, 08 03:59 PM

Wow!
I must send this link to my husband.

These gorgeous photos make me want to scream even louder that I won't be able to watch MotoGP next year

Posted by Esther October 15, 08 06:52 AM

Absoluter Wahnsinn, Du H�llenhund!! ;-) Gruss Lasso Germany

Posted by Lasso October 15, 08 12:38 PM

Some of the best GP photos I have ever seen. I am an Aussie and have attended Philip Island many times. Pic 21 is extremely difficult at the speeds attained at that part of the course (looks like early entry into the final turn before the straight). I took numerous shots there last year with a Canon 10D and AF 70-200 f4 L lens - not that much success!

Seagulls are a constant menace at the circuit - but what an amazing shot.I can't agree with the earlier comment that discerns the sexual-orientation of the bird from the photo - LOL.

Thanks Boss

Posted by David McIlroy October 17, 08 05:19 PM

I like on picture 18 that u can see the heat wave from the exiting fumes from the exhaust pipe.

Posted by Ryan October 20, 08 05:41 AM

Some are really great...

But take a look here

http://mototribu.com/competition/motogp/2008/course/016australie/mgp-australie2008.html

Posted by nico October 20, 08 09:01 PM

does it say something about my manliness that i would be scared to death to try something like that?
i'm proud of it. i'm a chicken..

http://bmccoy.wordpress.com

Posted by B.McCoy October 21, 08 01:52 PM

Pic # 8 clearly shows the rider checking front tire Air Pressure! LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL

Posted by JohnnyBGoode October 26, 08 01:36 PM

Thanks Boston Globe for printing these!! Amazing shots of an equally amazing sport and its competitors. Hope to see more in the future.... Oh yeah and GO NICKEY !!!!

Posted by Knarlydog October 27, 08 05:06 PM

why r u australian of the year and seagul

Posted by jimmy November 25, 08 08:42 PM