Phillip Island upgrades facilities
Punters will now have better weather protection at Phillip Island, and Stoner has been given his own grandstand
Will Casey Stoner go on to eclipse Mick Doohan's five GP championships in the rest of his career? With the way he's travelling at the moment, he could be looking at his second MotoGP championship in 2011, and has just been honoured with a new grandstand to boost his confidence.
Several facilities at the Island have been upgraded after criticism in 2010 that the circuit was not up to scratch.
The Stoner Pavilion seats up to 460 guests in its grandstand and is in a primo location, on turn 12, the final corner that leads onto the 300km/h+ main straight. The Stoner Pavilion also has a temporary marquee with catering and facilities and is said to offer 'sensational' views down the main straight, so spectators can watch riders cross the finish line.
Casey Stoner will be angling for his fifth consecutive win at Phillip Island, his home race, in 2011, and he will also celebrate his 26th birthday during the event.
"I am thrilled to have this facility named in my honour," said Stoner. "I love the Phillip Island circuit and have had some amazing results there. The fans are always amazing and there is nothing better than racing in front of a home crowd.
"I look forward to seeing the facility in October and hope I can make it five in a row at the island," enthused the Repsol Honda Team rider.
According to the Australian Grand Prix Corporation, the Stoner Pavilion is just one aspect of a complete overhaul of the facilities at the Phillip Island circuit which were '...in response to fan feedback and the inclement weather experienced at Phillip Island in 2010.'
Andrew Westacott, CEO of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation, explained that the Stoner Pavilion was one of several upgrades to the Phillip Island circuit facilities. "The Australian Grand Prix Corporation has made significant improvements for 2011, including the Stoner Pavilion, to ensure that all fans have a great MotoGP experience."
Some of the other upgrades to the infrastructure surrounding the race track include free weather shelters for General Admission and Grandstand spectators at Gardner Village Lukey Heights and Siberia.
"Following on from adverse conditions at last year’s race, we have worked hard to identify problem areas and improve facilities to minimise the weather’s impact on patron comfort," explained Westacott.
There will also be a free shuttle bus service (comprising four vehicles) that travels on a continuous loop around the outfield of the circuit, making it easier for patrons to move around to different areas of the track.
Other upgrades include improved asphalt/gravel roadways and better surfacing at pedestrian thoroughfares, such as the Highside campground, Gardner Village and also catering and merchandise areas that often get a bit boggy if it rains.
"Patrons felt the effects of the wild weather last year, both from above and underfoot, so we have increased weather shelters, improved drainage and introduced all-weather pathways and bus shuttles," said Westacott.
For those interested in getting a seat at the Stoner Pavilion, ticket prices start from $365 and you can find them at the 2011 Iveco Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix website or calling Foxtix on 1800 100 030. General admissions tickets start at $45.
The race takes place between October 14 and 16 2011.
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