Quick Read
- Victorian government rejected MotoGP’s request to move the Australian GP from Phillip Island to Albert Park.
- MotoGP Sports Entertainment sought to move due to outdated facilities at Phillip Island.
- Victoria offered additional funding to Phillip Island on the condition the race stays there.
- Despite the rejection and funding offer, MotoGP still plans to leave Phillip Island after 2026.
- Adelaide, South Australia, is emerging as the most likely new host city for the Australian MotoGP from 2027.
MELBOURNE (Azat TV) – The Victorian government has officially rejected a proposal by MotoGP Sports Entertainment, formerly Dorna Sports, to move the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix from its long-standing home at Phillip Island to Melbourne’s Albert Park, the current venue for Formula 1. Despite this firm stance and an offer of additional funding to upgrade Phillip Island, MotoGP is still pushing ahead with plans to relocate the event from the iconic circuit after the 2026 season, with reports indicating Adelaide in South Australia as the most probable new host.
The current contract for the Australian MotoGP at Phillip Island expires after the 2026 season. MotoGP’s commercial rights holder had been exploring alternative venues due to concerns over the outdated facilities at Phillip Island, which has hosted the event for nearly three decades since 1997. The appeal of Albert Park, with its robust infrastructure and accessibility just minutes from Melbourne’s CBD, was evident, particularly given Formula 1’s booming popularity at the same location.
Victorian Government Blocks Albert Park Move
The Allan Labor government unequivocally ruled out the move to Albert Park, emphasizing Phillip Island’s significance as the traditional and regional home for the Motorcycle Grand Prix. In a statement, the Victorian government highlighted that the event is ‘synonymous with Phillip Island’ and brings ‘tens of thousands of visitors’ to the region, benefiting tourism, local businesses, and jobs. To underscore its commitment, Victoria agreed to contribute additional funding to MotoGP Sports Entertainment to help ‘create a bigger, better event beyond 2026,’ but only on the strict condition that the race remains at Phillip Island.
Minister for Sports and Events, Steve Dimopoulos, confirmed the government’s position to local media, stating, ‘We were never willing to sell out Phillip Island.’ This decision reflects a strong political and economic commitment to the regional venue, which has held the event 29 times and is celebrated for its magnificent history and challenging circuit layout, a favorite among riders and fans alike.
Phillip Island’s Future and Facility Concerns
Despite the Victorian government’s financial incentive, MotoGP appears intent on moving. The core issue, according to MotoGP sporting director Carlos Ezpeleta, centers on the need for significant infrastructure upgrades at Phillip Island, particularly to its pit and paddock facilities. Ezpeleta stated that organizers ‘need to make improvements to bring the event up to the standards we want for MotoGP.’ While Phillip Island is widely considered one of the most entertaining circuits on the calendar, the state of its facilities has been a long-standing point of frustration for the sport’s managing body, MotoGP Sports Entertainment.
Phillip Island has been a staple on the Grand Prix motorcycle racing calendar for more than three decades. However, the lack of timely updates by those responsible for the circuit’s maintenance has jeopardized its future. The government’s offer of additional funds aims to address these deficiencies, yet the decision by MotoGP to look elsewhere suggests that the commercial and logistical considerations outweigh the historical ties and the Victorian government’s renewed financial commitment.
MotoGP Eyes New Australian Host for 2027
With the Albert Park option now off the table, MotoGP is evaluating different locations for the Australian round from 2027 onwards. Early reports, including those from BlackBook Motorsport, indicate that Adelaide in South Australia is the most likely destination. A joint statement from MotoGP and the South Australian government regarding this potential relocation could be released as early as Thursday, signaling a significant shift in the event’s geographical footprint within Australia.
The potential move to Adelaide would mark a new chapter for the Australian MotoGP, ending its long tenure at Phillip Island. This development is particularly notable given that MotoGP is now under Liberty Media’s umbrella, the same owners as Formula 1. Liberty Media is reportedly seeking calendar optimization across both championships, and while aligning MotoGP and F1 at Albert Park was a commercial interest, the rejection has forced a new strategic direction for the Australian round.
The Victorian government’s rejection highlights the complex interplay between sporting tradition, regional economic impact, and the commercial demands of modern global motorsport, ultimately leading MotoGP to seek a new Australian home despite significant local efforts to retain it.