Bold claim: Adelaide could rewrite MotoGP history by steering the championship away from Phillip Island and into a new era on a true street circuit. But here’s where it gets controversial... Victoria’s government has rejected MotoGP Sports Entertainment’s plan to relocate the Australian Grand Prix from Phillip Island to Melbourne’s Albert Park, a venue already hosting Formula 1’s Australian round. The decision, announced by Jacinta Allan’s administration, includes a commitment to fund upgrades for Phillip Island, whose contract with the promoter runs out in 2026.
Despite this, sources indicate that the promoter remains unconvinced by Victoria’s alternative, and the upcoming October MotoGP event at Phillip Island could mark the circuit’s final chapter on the world championship calendar. The island circuit, about 140 kilometers south of Melbourne, has long been an iconic stop for riders and fans alike.
Meanwhile, South Australia appears determined to seize the moment with a far more ambitious bid. Motorsport.com understands that the state has presented MotoGP Sports Entertainment with a proposal for a first‑of‑its‑kind true street circuit in Adelaide. This would represent a significant departure from the semi-street feel of venues like Mandalika in Lombok, Indonesia, and could redefine how MotoGP combines urban landscapes with grand‑prix racing.
Carlos Ezpeleta, MotoGP’s sporting director and a top executive within the organization, reportedly flew from Barcelona to Adelaide last Tuesday. An official announcement could come in the next hours, signaling a potential shift in the championship’s geographically diverse footprint.
South Australia’s bid emphasizes large‑scale international event ambitions and is described as more expansive than Victoria’s plan. If Adelaide lands the project, any new deal would likely begin in 2027, following the completion of necessary construction work and formal agreements.
Historically, Adelaide has hosted the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix from 1985 to 1995, underscoring the city’s motorsport credentials and readiness for a major reimagining of the national calendar.
We want your opinion!
What do you think should guide MotoGP’s future in Australia—the reliability and tradition of Phillip Island, or the bold potential of a new Adelaide street circuit? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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