Australian MotoGP wildcards announced

A total of seven wildcard rides have been awarded, with MA selecting four and the FIM the remaining three. This year will see five riders earn entry into the Moto125 class and a further two in the Moto2 class.

Among the wildcards is road racing young gun Arthur Sissis, fresh from his highly-successful Red Bull Rookies Cup season, where he finished second overall. Joining Sissis will be current Australian Superlites Championship leader Josh Hook, three-time Moto125 wildcard Nicky Diles (pictured with Mick Doohan) and rising star Alex Phillis. The son of the great Robbie Phillis, Alex is currently racing in Superlites (125cc) and has been enjoying some regualr top ten finsihes in the class. Rounding out the 125 recipients will be New Zealand female rider Avalon Biddle, who received an FIM wildcard.

Blake Leigh-Smith returns to Australia to take a Moto2 wildcard after a successful season in the Spanish Moto2 Championship and will be joined by 2010 Kirk McCarthy Memorial Award winner Kris McLaren.

2011 IVECO Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix Wildcard recipients:
125cc
Arthur Sissis - Virginia SA
Josh Hook - Taree NSW
Nicky Diles - Boronia VIC
Alex Phillis - Heathmont VIC
Avalon Biddle - New Zealand

Moto2
Blake Leigh-Smith - Runaway Bay QLD
Kris McLaren - Leongatha VIC

The 2011 IVECO Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix will take place at the iconic Phillip Island circuit in Victoria from 14-16 October