Three champs set to extend Moto leads

So far, the Australian Grand Prix motorcycling meet is sticking to the script.

The three Spanish leaders of their respective classes will start on pole position for Sunday’s races.

With his 12th pole, Marc Marquez, the already crowned 2014 MotoGP champion, can equal Mick Doohan’s long-standing record for race wins in a season with success on Phillip Island.

Only a fool would bet against Moto2’s Esteve Rabat conquering his field after triumphing in each Australian practice and qualifying session.

And Alex Marquez must be favoured to break local hearts and stretch his Moto3 championship lead over Queenslander Jack Miller in Sunday’s early race.

The younger Marquez doesn’t feel like a party-pooper, rather a man on a mission.

“He might have a little bit more motivation than other races because he’s at home,” the Spaniard said of the Queenslander.

“But in the end I only concentrate with me and my team.

“This is maybe my favourite circuit… we will have an interesting race.”

Miller and Marquez have developed a sharp rivalry this season, peaking with a clash in Aragon last month.

With the 19-year-old Townsville native surging to an unexpected title lead early in the season, he was reeled in when a crash with Marquez send him spiralling down the order.

Since then, Miller has failed to better Marquez’s race results – a slump he must arrest on Phillip Island if he is to have a chance of claiming the Moto3 crown.

There are no such concerns for Marquez senior, who has the championship in his back pocket.

While a win on Sunday would make amends for a damaging blunder last year – he was disqualified after ignoring a required bike change – the Spaniard is eager most of all to have fun.

“I have nothing to lose, I can enjoy the race,” he said.

“Im really happy to be on pole. After Japan, here looks like a great weekend for me, I feel good.”

In Moto2, Rabat, with a 38-point lead, has the chance to win the championship should he better Mika Kallio’s result by 12 points.

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