The Italian seemed to be out of the race for the World Championship amongst Aoyama and Álvaro Bautista ahead of the bwin.com Grande Prémio de Portugal, however a smash for Bautista in Portugal allowed Simoncelli back in with a victory as the 250cc championship closes in.

Aoyama’s lead in the overall rankings was extended to 26 points ahead of Bautista, while Simoncelli, whose win claimed the 199th victory for Italian competitors in the 250cc class, is now only two points behind the second placed Spaniard, taking his fifth victory of the season.

The scene is perfect for the Australian GP with Simoncelli and Bautista both claiming good records at the track. Bautista has placed second in both 250cc events at Phillip Island and taken victory in the 125cc in 2006, whilst his Italian opponent won there last season. Aoyama’s DNF last season allows the Japanese front man to be ever keen to keep his form that sees him end outside the top four on only two occasions this year.

Aoyama could finalise the event for the title early if he takes his first ever victory at Phillip Island, if he can achieve this, the Scot Racing competitor would require Bautista to place no higher than 16th, Simoncelli 14th or lower, and Héctor Barberá to not arrive second. If the scenario does not occur, Aoyama will require 50 points from the final three events, including Australia, irrespective of other racers’ points to claim the world title.

Barberá (Pepe World Team) sits 16 points behind Simoncelli in the overall rankings, he will be keen to correct a marred history at Phillip Island, where he did not appear last season due to back injury, he also claimedd a DNF the year before.

Mattia Pasini also has a disappointing track record at Phillip Island, however will aim to excel on his third place finish in 125cc from 2006 as he attempts a strong end to the year.