Opening practice for the Australian MotoGP was cancelled Friday because of persistent heavy rain, denying the riders a crucial session on the newly resurfaced Phillip Island circuit. But it was not to be,

The new Friday afternoon schedule will see Practice, also used to determine the top ten riders with direct access to Qualifying 2, extended from the usual one hour to 1 hour and 20 minutes. The new session is set to start at 15:00 local time although, at present, rain is still falling.

Last year, Johann Zarco claimed victory at the Australian GP, with Bagnaia finishing in second. This year, let's see who sees the chequered flag first.