Marc Marquez admits Casey Stoner was like an animal at Phillip Island, but the Spanish rookie predicts he will be faster than his predecessor come Sunday’s Australian Grand Prix.

The 20-year-old, on the cusp of making MotoGP history, believes one of the season’s fastest tracks will be even quicker this weekend after undergoing its first major facelift in 14 years.

A newly-resurfaced circuit was a luxury Stoner didn’t have at Phillip Island – yet he still managed to claim six consecutive wins there, including his valedictory race last year.

“We know, here, that Casey was like an animal,” Marquez said on Thursday.

“It’s a big record – nearly an impossible record, because six victories is quite a lot.

“I saw some videos from last year and Casey did incredible lines, so we will try to see how we go at Phillip Island with the MotoGP bike.”

Just 43 points separates Marquez and his nearest series rival, Yamaha’s Jorge Lorenzo.

If he manages eighth place or better, and Lorenzo fairs worse, Marquez will be crowned the youngest ever MotoGP world champion.

He would also become the first rookie in 35 years to win the title in his debut season.

The young star clinched his maiden Moto2 championship in Australia in 2012 and said he had closely studied data from Stoner’s past runs at Phillip Island in a bid to help his own race.

“But it will be difficult because of the new asphalt, it’s less bumpy,” he said.

“So it looks like it we will be a little bit faster – we must be a little bit faster.

“(But) I will try to compare anyway because I guess he was so fast, I want to know where he was much better or where he made that difference.

“I will try to concentrate this weekend, try to be focused and then we will see on Sunday if I can fight for the victory, for the podium or take the points for the championship.”

Lorenzo would need a win to remain a mathematical shot at this year’s title ahead of Marquez, a man he describes as “one of the most incredible riders” in the category’s history.

But the Spaniard has not lost all hope.

“I’ve never won here, but I’ve finished second twice after Stoner,” he said.

“So, in theory, without Stoner, it could be easier to have options here to win.

“But we have Marc who is very strong, and Dani (Pedrosa) is maybe in his best shape during this year.

“So it’s not easy to even finish on the podium.

“Let’s hope (we’re) fast enough to try and go away, and if it’s not possible, try to at least fight with them in the last laps.”