In February, MotoGP announced that it was parting ways with the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit at the end of 2026. After a long history with two-wheel racing, the circuit in Victoria will be saying goodbye to the MotoGP calendar. Instead, the Australian Grand Prix will find a new home at the Adelaide Street Circuit. Adelaide is set to host the Grand Prix until at least 2032, with the first event set to be held in November 2027.
Goodbye Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit
The Australian Grand Prix joined the MotoGP calendar in 1989. Philip Island Grand Prix Circuit was the first venue of the event. After a five-year hiatus, during which the venue switched to the Sydney Motorsport Park, Phillip Island has remained a fixture since 1997. Since then, it has featured every year aside from 2020 and 2021.
With breathtaking scenery as the backdrop, the 2.76-mile circuit is known as one of the fastest and most fluid tracks on the MotoGP calendar. Consequently, over the years, it has provided some of the best racing in the series. Here, riders have to balance high-speed corners with heavy braking and elevation changes. These create a true ‘riders circuit’ which tests courage and skill at each turn.
Phillip Island is also home to some of the most iconic MotoGP moments. Such as Jorge Lorenzo’s 2013 pole lap, where he broke the lap record after hitting a seagull. Or, when Casey Stoner won the 2011 championship by winning his home race. An intense four-way battle for the win between Marc Márquez, Lorenzo, Valentino Rossi, and Andrea Iannone in 2015 also produced one of the best races in MotoGP history.
With key historic moments, the switch came as a surprise. Despite concerns over the drastic climate, Philip Island has been a fan and rider favourite for years.
Adelaide Street Circuit Goes From F1 to MotoGP
The replacement circuit will be the Adelaide Street Circuit. It will join the calendar in 2027 and serve as the new venue until at least 2032. It is a temporary circuit through the East Parklands in Adelaide, South Australia. According to Motorsport.Com, the new track will follow a similar layout used for Formula 1 between 1985 and 1995. Featuring 18 turns around 2.6 miles, riders could reach top speeds of 340 km/h.
The track features limited run-off areas due to its close proximity to buildings. The long straights also often see high speeds, which, with the inconsistent grip levels and tight corners, could produce some dangerous situations. It is known for some iconic moments in Formula 1, such as Michael Schumacher and Damon Hill’s controversial collision in 1994. Ayrton Senna achieved his last race win here. It became a well-loved track; however, looking back, many also criticise the track for its lack of safety measures.
This announcement has raised those concerns again, and people are questioning whether this is a suitable track for MotoGP to attend. Although organisers are implementing modifications to allow the track to conform to the FIM’s safety standards, concerns remain. Fox News Australia reported that the track will be shifted more into the park to allow for the crucial run-off areas to be constructed. And instead of the harsh right-hand corners, it will see more sweeping sections.
MotoGP Chief Sporting Officer, Carlos Ezpeleta, shared that, with the FIM, they have “made sure that safety remained uncompromised” when speaking about the venue change. He noted how Adelaide is the “perfect home for MotoGP’s next chapter in Australia”.
MotoGP Returns To Street Tracks
The change in venue marks MotoGP’s return to street circuit racing for the first time since 1979. The last street race was at the San Carlos Circuit, in San Carlos, Venezuela. It hosted three Grand Prix from 1977. Currently, the calendar also features the Mandalika International Street Circuit. However, this is a permanent track in the city of Mandalika, Indonesia. Much like F1’s Jeddah Corniche Circuit, it is not inherently a ‘street track’. This is because, whilst the layout imitates a street circuit, it is at a traditional, permanent venue.
When Mandalika was announced, concerns were raised over the safety of bikes on street tracks. Ezpeleta spoke about the nature of the track and its safety. “On one side, we serve a new area for tourism and economic impact, on the other we will make an absolutely safe circuit in a very nice place. The circuit is a proper, permanent circuit.” He shared, essentially confirming that it is a permanent track that will also have other public uses throughout the year.
A Controversial Choice?
The choice for the Australian Grand Prix to switch venues has drawn mixed reactions from both drivers and fans. Casey Stoner, who criticised the decision in an Instagram post, has been the most outspoken rider. The former champion questioned why Philip Island, which he describes as “one of the greatest Motorcycle circuits in the entire world”, has been replaced.
Alternatively, Marco Bezzecchi, Jorge Martín, and Maverick Viñales all sounded positive when speaking about the switch ahead of the season. Bezzecchi noted that he had mixed feelings as Phillip Island is “one of my favourite tracks”, but ultimately thinks the swap is “super interesting.” Martín had a similar sentiment, admitting that whilst it’s a pity to lose Philip Island, it will be “interesting to get to know a new track”.
“[I‘m] Extremely proud, you know, first of all for Australia to be leading the charge in that, and you know, for a city like Adelaide to step up to the bar when it comes to building a street circuit that’s safe to accommodate MotoGP bikes. It’ll be an amazing experience”, shared Australian rider, Jack Miller. He was at the announcement in Adelaide, and remained positive over the future of his home Grand Prix.
With new regulations and now a new venue, 2027 will look very different for MotoGP. Whilst this decision has been divisive, it solidifies the upcoming year as a new era for the series. Returning to a street track will add another challenge for the riders. The FIM and MotoGP are intent on expanding the sport’s reach. Can Adelaide bring a new variety of fans in? For now, we can enjoy one last hurrah in Phillip Island before focusing on the new test.