Filip Salač arrives in Australia for the upcoming Grand Prix weekend while facing paddock speculation that the Qatar race scheduled for November 8 may be canceled, leaving only four rounds remaining in the Moto2 season, sport.cz reported on Wednesday.
Overcoming Food Poisoning and Heat in Indonesia
Salač enters the Australian round following what he describes as the hardest race of his career in Indonesia, where he finished seventh. The Czech rider suffered severe food poisoning the night before the race, vomiting just 20 minutes before the start while wearing his racing suit under track temperatures reaching 70 degrees Celsius. Although a red flag shortened the distance, the final three laps pushed him to his absolute physical limit as he struggled to spot his braking markers.
Chasing Top Five Finishes in the Final Stretch
Lying seventh in the overall Moto2 standings, Salač sits 13 points behind Alonso for fifth place, with rivals Holgado and Agius also ahead. Despite dropping a few points in Indonesia, the Czech racer believes he has a strong chance to fight at the front on upcoming tracks that suit his riding style. Australia presents the toughest challenge due to its fast and bumpy layout, but Sepang, Portimao—where he previously secured pole position—and Valencia offer favorable hunting grounds.
Salač Confirms American Racing Team Contract for Next Season
While rumors and paddock speculation frequently link riders to the premier class, Salač confirms he will remain in Moto2 for the next season with the American Racing Team. He currently has no contract for 2028, but acknowledges that maintaining his current performance trajectory could open the door for a step up to MotoGP. His manager confirmed that offers from the premier class have arrived as his performances turn heads across the paddock.
Anticipating Major Technical Shifts in MotoGP
MotoGP undergoes a massive regulatory reset next year, headlined by engine displacements dropping from 1000cc to 850cc and a transition to Pirelli tires, which Moto2 riders have used for three seasons. Salač views these sweeping changes as a massive opportunity for rookies, noting that the less powerful machines will help newcomers adapt more easily. He admits mild regret that his current breakthrough form did not arrive earlier in the season, which might have secured him a premier-class seat for the upcoming transition year.
Building Momentum with Kalex and a Supportive Team
Salač attributes his career-best season to a combination of factors, primarily his return to the Kalex chassis and the unwavering support of his new team. Even when early-season results faltered and his teammate outpaced him, the garage kept their faith in his abilities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Filip Salač and Moto2
What team will Filip Salač race for next season?
Salač will continue competing in the Moto2 category for the American Racing Team next year.
How many points does Salač need to reach the top five in the standings?
He currently sits 13 points behind Alonso for fifth place in the overall championship standings.
Which venue hosts the Australian Grand Prix for the final time?
The paddock races at Phillip Island for the final time before the event shifts to a street circuit in Adelaide under new ownership by Liberty Media.
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