The MotoGP Australian Grand Prix will no longer be held at Phillip Island following the 2026 season, as confirmed by government officials. The change comes after MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group, previously known as Dorna Sports, requested the event be moved to Albert Park, the location of the Formula One Grand Prix, starting in 2027.
Victorian Government’s Offer and MotoGP’s Relocation Plans
Although the Victorian government offered additional funding to keep the race at Phillip Island, the proposal to move the event to Albert Park was declined. Despite this, MotoGP has continued pursuing its move to a new location beyond Victoria. Steve Dimopoulos, the minister for sports and events, acknowledged the challenges involved in maintaining the event at Phillip Island.
We know that we could have kept [the race] in Victoria, had we sold out Phillip Island. We were never willing to sell out Phillip Island,
Dimopoulos said to local media, as reported by ABC.
We met every other request. We met the licence fee, we met everything else, in fact, went beyond it.
Dimopoulos also noted that the new venue for 2027 has been decided, though it is not his place to announce it yet.
Adelaide Likely to Host from 2027 Season
Preliminary reports suggest that Adelaide will be the next host city for the Australian MotoGP round. A joint announcement involving MotoGP and South Australian officials is expected soon, possibly as early as Thursday. This relocation signals a significant shift for the local motorsport community and fans of the Victoria region.
Impact on Phillip Island and Reasons Behind the Move
Phillip Island has been the venue for the Australian MotoGP since 1997 and is highly regarded by riders. However, aging facilities and infrastructure have been cited as major drawbacks. The Victorian government described the race as the state’s biggest international sporting event, attracting tens of thousands of visitors annually. Despite this, the circuit has struggled to meet the evolving demands of MotoGP management.
MotoGP’s ownership under Liberty Media, known for pushing major circuit upgrades in Formula One, appears to be enforcing similar standards in motorcycle racing. Recent renovations at circuits like the Hungaroring and Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya set a clear precedent for demanding promoters to enhance their venues.
MotoGP sporting director Carlos Ezpeleta underscored the necessity of these improvements for the Australian round to remain on the calendar.
They need to make improvements to bring the event up to the standards we want for MotoGP, in terms of infrastructure, the pit area, the paddock and access,
Ezpeleta explained.
What Lies Ahead for Australian MotoGP Fans
The move away from Phillip Island marks the end of an era but is driven by the desire to meet the high standards set by MotoGP’s new ownership. Local communities and fans may face uncertainty as the sport shifts to South Australia. Meanwhile, motorsport followers are looking forward to upcoming events, such as the BlackBook Motorsport Forum scheduled for March 24, 2026, at Mercure London, Earls Court, which will explore trends affecting the broader motorsport industry.
