It's no exaggeration to say that MotoGP 21 will go down as one of the best racing games in 2021. To see exactly what makes this title special, check out our full review. If you're new to this officially licenced Milestone series, be sure to read our beginner's guide.
Whether you go with "full or official calendar", the Australian Grand Prix will be the seventeenth destination of your first tour around the world. Despite the Aus GP being canceled in real life, it's here to stay in MotoGP 21!
This is also the only time you'll be visiting Oceania. The Australian Grand Prix has taken place at the Phillip Island GP circuit ever since the late 1990s. Phillip Island's tight high-speed bends are just made for MotoGP bikes. They're a pleasure to drive and we'll give you the best possible chance of winning down under with our ultimate setup guide!
Tyres
Despite the high-speed nature of a lot of the circuit, you can be adventurous with your tyre choices in Australia. You can go medium on both the front and rear, but we think it's best to go with a soft on the front. If you're struggling with understeer in the latter stages of the race though, use a medium in future.
Suspension
The front suspension needs to be weighted towards stability to keep the bike steady through the long corners around Phillip Island. The pre-load (3), oil quantity (4) and front swingarm compression (2) all need to be on the low side.
However, in contrast to this, the swingarm extension (8) and spring hardness (5) need to be configured for responsiveness.
The rear of the bike needs to be setup differently to the front, but also needs to be optimised for a good compromise. Pre-load (8) and single shock absorber extension (8) are geared towards responsiveness. Swingarm connector (4), spring hardness (0) and shock absorber extension (2) in contrast are configured for stability.
Vehicle geometry
The vehicle geometry is required to be on the low side to aid responsiveness. Steering head inclination and trail have to both be at 0 for maximum turn-in. The steering plate position (4) and swingarm length (3) also need to be low, also in the pursuit of responsiveness.
Transmission
Phillip Island's medium-speed corners need you to have low ratios for the low gears but high ratios for the higher gears. This aids acceleration while also keeping the bike off the rev limiter down the start/finish straight.
The slipper clutch is best at 4 to strike an optimum balance between responsiveness and stability.
Brake System
Phillip Island isn't the hottest circuit in terms of ambient temperature, but you do need the best brakes around to aid your stopping power. Braking zones and corners come thick and fast through the entire lap, so you need to allow them to cool.
340 mm high mass on the front and 220 mm on the rear is best and negates the added weight in better braking performance.
ECU
You'll have to optimise the electronic aids to be fast in Australia. 3 traction control and anti-wheelie aid is best to keep the bike pointing in the right direction. You can increase these to four if you're struggling, though.
Engine braking should be up at 4 to help shave speed off of your ride through the long corners. Power mapping is best at 3 for a flying lap. Although, you’ll need to turn this around during some points in the race.
All of these can be adjusted out on track using the HUD in the bottom-right of the screen.