MotoMatters.com | Kropotkin Thinks

Although MotoMatters.com's very own photographer Scott Jones is unable to make the long trek across the Pacific to Phillip Island, we have some help from a local. Andrew Gosling of TBGSport is on hand, braving the elements to bring us shots from the edge of the Bass Strait. We think you'll like them:

Cold, wet, windy. About as much fun as it sounds

The conditions may have bothered Jorge Lorenzo, but it didn't prevent from being fastest

Bradley Smith is from England. So it may not surprise you to learn he was fastest in the cold and rain

Mika Kallio leaves the pits for FP1. He'll be leaving the team after Phillip Island

The Rizla Suzukis are not carrying Rizla sponsorship in Australia, because of problems with smoking.

Ben Spies thought better of the weather, and didn't spend much time on track on Friday

If there was a prize for playing your cards close to your chest, Jerry Burgess would win it. He still hasn't confirmed he will be going to Ducati with Valentino Rossi.

Wayne Maxwell is one of the two Australians joining Ant West in Moto2

Plenty of room round the outside at Phillip Island

Ready to go

When length is needed, wrap the pipes around

Seagulls aren't the only avian menace on the Island. Jules Cluzel shows off another

Fonsi Nieto's team have a joke about his dodgy ankle

Rossi, ready to rock

So's his teammate ...

It's definitely warmer in the garages. But Nicky Hayden was still plenty fast on track.