Image: Russell Colvin.

It’s been revealed Yannis Shaw and New Zealander Rogan Chandler have been granted wildcard opportunities for the 2019 Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix in the Moto3 category at Phillip Island.

Shaw, who sits sixth in the ASBK Supersport 300 rankings, will pilot the same bike – a former Brad Binder 2014 Kalex KTM – that he raced in the New Zealand Superbike Championship, where he claimed the Moto3 title.

“I’ve always said I’ll get there one day, and since that day I’ve had nothing else on my mind,” Shaw commented. “FP1 and FP2 will be crucial to be able to get a good set-up on the bike before we head into FP3 on Saturday, then qualifying.

“We are drawing on a lot of people we know to be able to get as much data as possible for when the riders were riding that bike in that era to help with gearing and gearbox ratios and other bits and pieces. To be able to finish with a few other riders behind me, I would be over the moon with.

“Anything more than that would be a complete bonus. If it’s wet weather, I would love to be able to be up there in the top 10, as I love riding in the wet weather. On top of that, the wet conditions are a real equaliser, as everyone knows. I know how quick the Moto3 paddock is, so all I can do is give it everything I have to be as competitive as possible.”

Chandler, a New Zealand Superbike Championship Supersport regular, has made a number of starts at the Phillip Island circuit in recent years, previously contesting a selection of ASBK rounds in 2017.

“I think it’s going to be a great experience and I’m sure I’ll learn a lot about what it’s like to race against the best riders in the world,” said Chandler. “Luckily, I’ve raced Phillip Island before, so I’m pretty confident in that area as I won’t have to learn the track so much.

“In saying that, I understand what I’m up against in terms of the level of competition, as the Moto3 World Championship is so cut-throat. I feel confident about where I am speed-wise currently and think the team and I will have a positive weekend.”

The duo will race under the Double Six Motorsport outfit for the 25-27 October event.