Phillip Island’s 29-year run as host of the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix is set to conclude in 2026, with MotoGP poised to announce a move to South Australia, potentially on a street circuit in Adelaide. The decision follows the Victorian Government’s rejection of a proposal to relocate the race from Phillip Island to Melbourne’s Albert Park Circuit, home of the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix.
The shift marks a significant victory for South Australia, which has been actively pursuing a MotoGP event as part of a broader strategy to attract major motorsport competitions. A formal announcement from MotoGP and the South Australian government is expected as early as Thursday, February 19, according to sources familiar with the negotiations.
The Victorian Government had indicated a willingness to continue funding the race, but only if it remained at the existing Phillip Island venue. Tourism, Sport and Major Events Minister Steve Dimopoulos stated the state would not compromise on the location. This position effectively stalled negotiations after MotoGP’s commercial rights holders sought a relocation to Albert Park, citing safety concerns with adapting the Formula 1 circuit for motorcycle racing.
While a street circuit in Adelaide’s city centre, utilizing the former F1 pits complex, is the preferred option, The Bend Motorsport Park, located approximately an hour from Adelaide, remains a potential backup. The Bend already hosts national-level motorsport events and possesses the infrastructure required for international competition, though its flat terrain is considered less appealing than the iconic Phillip Island track.
The Australian Grand Prix Corporation, which leases the MotoGP race from Dorna Sports and the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM), had recently invested in upgrades to the Phillip Island Circuit to meet evolving safety standards. These improvements, funded by the Victorian Government, included new debris fencing, extended gravel traps, and paved run-off areas. These upgrades were intended to secure the venue’s future through 2026.
Negotiations between Dorna and the Victorian State Government had become increasingly contentious, with Dorna, under the leadership of Carlos Ezpeleta, pushing for the Albert Park move. The rejection of that proposal ultimately paved the way for South Australia to enter the bidding process. Further details regarding the new agreement are expected to be revealed by Ezpeleta during a press conference on Thursday afternoon.
WorldSBK, the Superbike World Championship, may as well be considering a shift to The Bend Motorsport Park as a result of these developments, though no formal announcement has been made.
