Although it wasn’t the goodbye to Phillip Island we expected, it was still an incredibly memorable visit Down Under as the Red Bull Grand Prix of Australia served up another twist in the title picture. 10 points. That’s the gap separating Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) and Jorge Martin (Aprilia Racing) after the #89 suffered a crash in Saturday’s Sprint. With home farewells, dramatic stories and more, catch up on the hottest topics from Australia!

"Eight laps on the limit"

Where better to start than your new World Championship leader, right? Marc Marquez now holds the advantage in the standings, securing 12 points on Saturday before saying goodbye to Phillip Island during the lap of honour on Sunday. Confidence is high for the #93, who, after securing pole, admitted that he had to push in the Sprint, fighting with Martin in the early laps.

Marc Marquez: "It was a tight battle. Eight laps on the limit, eight laps fighting for the same position and to try to take 12 points. But the thing is, today (Saturday) was more than just the three-point difference. Today was the time to do it. Because he knows that this is one of my favourite circuits, and I know that it is one of the circuits where the Aprilia is working well.

"It's true that you feel that extra concentration. When you fight for the title, it's like you have extra focus. I mean, even when I finished the sprint race, I didn't know where I was. At one point on the podium, I said, Am I in Phillip Island or still at Mandalika? Then, because of the temperature, I knew!"

"I hope to see Jorge in Sepang"

It was a tough early end to the weekend for Jorge Martin following a crash in Lap 8 of the Sprint. Martin suffered a non-displaced fracture of the distal radius, confirming that he will not return to Spain for treatment. His participation in the Malaysian GP is unconfirmed, so keep your eyes pinned to social media in the coming days, with Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola confirming that it will be difficult.

Rivola: "Very, very difficult. I hope to see Jorge in Sepang, at least with us. And let's see. I think the story between Aprilia and Jorge was quite unlucky. The lucky aspect this time is that the bone is just broken; it's not dramatic. But I would like to see the same story between the two of us finish in the best possible way, with him 100% physically.

"Yesterday he was providing an amazing show. I think we were seeing the proper Jorge, and I think he had the chance to win the race. But what we can really say is that sometimes shit happens. We are not really lucky with him together, but for sure we won't give up until he is not able.”

"You are the best fans in the world"

Emotional. For the final time in MotoGP, Jack Miller (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP) said goodbye to the Aussie fans, who supported the #43 throughout his time in the premier class. Sporting a striking green and gold Aussie livery, Miller made it a special lap of honour, putting on a show for the fans, even without any Sunday racing.

Miller: "It’s a little different to how things began with Wayne Gardner in 1989. But the fans have been amazing during all the years; through my little decade here, you guys have been the best. I can only speak on behalf of the other boys; I’m sure they have said it over the weekend, but it has been amazing to have all the boys down here this weekend.

"It’s been an absolute pleasure racing in front of you guys; you are the best fans in the world, and I’m sorry that I have had to skip another one.

"It would have been nice to use these colours in some anger, but we won best dressed, that’s for certain!"

"He will try hard to give us a hard time"

Davide Tardozzi had plenty to discuss after the weekend, admitting that he was expecting an all-out fight until the chequered flag. Tardozzi also spoke about Sunday’s cancellation, whilst wishing his best to Martin and admitting that he is keeping an eye on the competition, with Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) only 50 points adrift.

Tardozzi: "Martin made a mistake, but he was very, very competitive. I do not know if Marc would be able to beat him at the end of the race. I think that it was head-to-head until the end, but unfortunately, he made a mistake.

"We know that our opponents are very strong. They have two riders competing for the Championship. So they have all our respect, because we know their potential as a factory and as riders. But again, we are Ducati, we are always there, and we have Marc Marquez."

Speaking about Sunday’s cancellation, Tardozzi added: "For Ducati, it's obvious that we missed an opportunity, but in the end the first thing we are always thinking about is rider safety in Ducati. And that's ahead of everything: sport, business and whatever."

"If the risk is too high, I won’t attack him"

It was a difficult situation for Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP), who was involved in Saturday’s leading trio. Alex Marquez finished second in the Sprint, crossing the line behind his brother and earning nine points in the process. The #73 shared his feelings, admitting that he will measure the risk when fighting with his brother.

Alex Marquez: "If the risk is high, I will take zero risk when I'm trying to overtake him; he’s my brother and in the same manufacturer. If the risk is too high, I won’t attack him. At the beginning of the race, when I attacked Jorge, my idea was to also attack Marc and use my pace, but then Jorge attacked me again, so I wasn’t able to do more."