Five years after making his first appearance at the AMCN International Island Classic, 15-time world champion Giacomo Agostini has announced he will be returning for the 2018 event on the Australia Day long weekend, when he will cut demo laps at the picturesque Phillip Island track.

To celebrate the appearance of the 75-year-old Italian, the circuit has secured four championship-winning MV Agusta machines that Agostini and others will ride during the three-day event.

His title-winning three-cylinder 500cc (1966-1972) and four-cylinder 350cc (1972-1973) MV Agusta GP bikes will make the trip Down Under, along with two four-cylinder 500cc title winners ridden by John Surtees (1956, 1958-1960), Gary Hocking (1961), Mike Hailwood (1962-1965) and Phil Read (1973-1974).

“We are thrilled to bring this iconic collection to Australia, especially for the 25th year,” Phillip Island’s Fergus Cameron said.

“It shows the stature of the Island Classic on the global historic calendar and we are very proud.”

As well as cutting a few demo laps, Ago will sign autographs, chat with spectators at MV Agusta’s trade stand behind the pits, and even try his hand at commentating.

Ago is the third world champion to book his ticket to Australia for the 2018 event, following on from a pair of double World Superbike champs in American Colin Edwards and our very own Troy Corser (above), who will be battling for team honours in the highly competitive International Challenge.

With Ireland out of the 2018 line-up, it will be up to Jeremy McWilliams’ UK team to step up as they look to claim the coveted trophy for the fourth successive time.

New Zealand will be in the hunt too, though the Kiwis are yet to announce their team captain. Stay tuned!

Kel Buckley

Corser, Edwards podium shot Australian WSB 1999