Casey Stoner, the Australian motorcycle racing legend, has criticized the choice to relocate the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix from Phillip Island to South Australia. The announcement, expected soon from the South Australian government, signals that the iconic island circuit will lose its place on the MotoGP calendar next year.
Stoner, a dual MotoGP world champion who secured six consecutive victories at Phillip Island starting in 2007, expressed strong doubts over why one of the world’s premier racing venues is being replaced.
Victorian Government Loses Hosting Rights Amid Dispute
The Victorian government confirmed it will no longer host the event, with this year’s race in October marking the final MotoGP at Phillip Island. Victorian officials opposed demands from MotoGP’s organizers to relocate the race to Melbourne’s Albert Park, preserving their commitment to the historic circuit.
Meanwhile, representatives from the MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group, formerly known as Dorna Sports, arrived in Adelaide ahead of the official announcement. The group reportedly favors moving the race to Albert Park to increase mainstream appeal, though that option faces logistical challenges.
Challenges in Moving to Albert Park
Albert Park, Melbourne’s Formula One venue, would need significant alterations for MotoGP, such as expanding the track and removing trees to accommodate motorcycling’s broader safety run-off zones. The Victorian government stood firm against these changes, refusing to compromise on Phillip Island’s integrity.
Steve Dimopoulos, Victoria‘s major events minister, stated,
“The foreign private owners of the MotoGP have demanded that we move the MotoGP to Albert Park,”
and added,
“We said no. We were never willing to sell out Phillip Island.”
Economic Impact on Phillip Island
Losing the MotoGP represents a significant economic setback for Phillip Island, which has hosted the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix regularly since 1997, with earlier events held in 1989 and 1990. Last year’s race drew 93,000 visitors and generated more than $54 million in economic benefits.
Though a decade-long deal was signed in 2016 to secure the race, promises of infrastructure investment fell short, leaving facilities behind what MotoGP’s ambitions require.
South Australia Steps In with New Venue Plans
As the stalemate with Victoria persisted, South Australia moved quickly to secure the event, proposing an Adelaide street circuit for the race. Until the street circuit is ready, the initial phase might be held at The Bend Motorsport Park in Tailem Bend, roughly 100 kilometers southeast of Adelaide.
Historically, South Australia hosted the Formula One Grand Prix on an Adelaide street circuit from 1985 to 1995 before the race was relocated to Melbourne’s Albert Park.
Stoner’s Disappointment Emphasizes Concerns
Stoner’s comments reflect broader unease about the decision. On Instagram, he posted,
MotoGP to take Phillip Island off the calendar!!!
He continued,
One of the greatest Motorcycle circuits in the entire world that has produced some of the greatest and most entertaining races we have witnessed, and continues to do so year after year, is being pushed to the side in place of a race in Adelaide and supposedly a street circuit…
Why would MotoGP take possibly their best circuit off the calendar … I’ll let everyone decide.
Future Implications for Australian MotoGP and Fans
The shift from Phillip Island marks a significant change for Australia’s premier motorcycle racing event, risking the loss of a circuit beloved by fans and racers alike. South Australia’s entry intends to maintain MotoGP’s presence in the country, but the transition raises questions about the event’s atmosphere and legacy.
With the official announcement imminent, stakeholders and fans await how the change will affect motorsport culture down under and whether the new venues can match the high standards set by Phillip Island’s legendary track.
