Two local riders confirmed for Aust MotoGP

NSW rider Broc Parkes will join Queenslander Jack Miller at Phillip Island for this weekend's Australian MotoGP.

Moto GP

Jack Miller is one of two Australians competing at the Phillip Island MotoGP. (AAP)

The Australian MotoGP will feature two local riders this year with confirmation Broc Parkes will join Jack Miller on the Phillip Island starting grid.

Parkes, 35, will make his first MotoGP appearance since 2015 when he replaces the ill Jonas Folger at Monster Yamaha Tech3.

Folger missed last weekend's Japanese grand prix after he returned home to Germany to undertake blood tests for the suspected Epstein Barr virus.

Parkes has predominantly raced in the World Superbikes and Supersport classes throughout his career, but competed in the 2014 MotoGP season with Paul Bird Motorsport.

The New South Welshman last appeared in the premier class in the last round of the 2015 season in Valencia when he took an injury-replacement ride.

"I would like to thank the Monster Yamaha Tech3 team for giving me the amazing opportunity to race at my home grand prix in front of all my supporters, fans and family," Parkes said.

"I am really looking forward to getting on the Yamaha YZR-M1 at Phillip Island and giving it my all."

Miller's involvement this weekend appeared on shaky ground after he broke his leg in a training accident and missed the Japanese grand prix.

However, the Queenslander is confident he'll take his place after undergoing surgery to have a plate and eight screws inserted just below his right knee.

"My recovery has been going really well," Miller said.

"I feel extremely positive that I'll be back on the bike this weekend at the Phillip Island circuit.

"It was a tough decision not to race at the Japanese MotoGP, however it was necessary to ensure I was in the best possible form for Phillip Island."

With three races left in the 2017 season, Miller is 13th in championship standings with two sixth-place finishes - at Assen and San Marino - his best results.

Factory Ducati rider Andrea Dovizioso narrowed Repsol Honda star Marc Marquez's world championship lead to 11 points with a thrilling win in Japan.


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Source: AAP



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