Alex Rins claimed a hard fought first victory of 2022 for both himself and Team Suzuki Ecstar at Phillip Island on Sunday. With seven riders covered by less than a second at the flag, Rins held out over Repsol Honda’s Marc Marquez and new championship leader Pecco Bagnaia for a thrilling and well deserved win as Mooney VR46’s Marco Bezzecchi claimed best independent rider and the Rookie of the Year title from fourth.
The final race action of the day prepared following a commemorative lap celebrating Australian MotoGP Champion Casey Stoner on his 37th birthday.
Prima Pramac’s Jorge Martin lined up on pole position from the seemingly back-in-form Marquez with Ducati Lenovo’s Bagnaia in third.
The Italian’s main title rivals Aleix Espargaro and Fabio Quartararo just behind on row two with teammate and local hero Jack Miller launching from eighth for his home GP in factory colours.