Image: Supplied.

Maverick Vinales says his previous success at Phillip Island has motivated him to secure victory this weekend at the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix.

The Monster Energy Yamaha rider claimed a thrilling win at the seaside venue in 2018 to end Yamaha’s winning drought, the Spaniard expressing his liking for Phillip Island, which happens to be a circuit that favours the YZR-M1.

“Overall, we had a positive race weekend in Japan, but unfortunately it wasn’t quite enough to be on the podium,” said Vinales.

“Now we are in Australia. I really like the Phillip Island track. I have many great memories of that circuit, and one of them is last year‘s race, when I won the Australian GP, which is very motivating. The team was working very hard, so we’ll try to be strong again this year and once more fight at the front.”

Vinales is ranked fourth in the championship standings, equal on points with third’s Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar).