- Phillip Island is set to lose the Australian MotoGP from 2027, ending nearly three decades at the iconic Victorian circuit.
- Reports suggest the race could move to South Australia, with a possible Adelaide street circuit or The Bend Motorsport Park under consideration.
- With MotoGP now under Liberty Media ownership, a shift toward spectacle-driven, city-based events may be influencing the decision.
Phillip Island Set to Lose MotoGP After 2026 as Event Moves Interstate
The iconic Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix at Phillip Island appears set to leave its long-standing home from the end of the 2026 season, with multiple reports indicating the event will shift to South Australia under a new deal from 2027.
The Phillip Island round — a highlight of the MotoGP calendar since 1997 and regarded by riders and fans alike as one of the sport’s most dramatic and scenic races — now faces an uncertain future following a contract deadlock between organisers and MotoGP’s commercial rights holder.
Deal Talks Collapse, Adelaide Emerges as New Host
Recent reports suggest that negotiations between the Australian Grand Prix Corporation (AGPC) and MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group have reached an impasse, with no new agreement to keep the race at Phillip Island past its existing contract, which expires after the October 2026 event.
South Australia has reportedly moved quickly to secure the MotoGP round, with an official announcement expected imminently. Sources say the event could be hosted either on a street circuit in Adelaide or at The Bend Motorsport Park near Tailem Bend, marking a significant shift for Australia’s premier motorcycle racing event.
While Australian news site, MCNews, notes the possibility of a street circuit in Adelaide being pursued, commentators are sceptical about the feasibility of a true city-centre motorcycle event given safety concerns. Yet the influence of MotoGP’s new majority owner Liberty Media — also parent of Formula 1 —raises the profile of urban spectacle events, potentially making such a move more appealing from a commercial standpoint.
Victorian Government Stance & Local Reaction
The Victorian government recently rejected a proposal to relocate the event to Albert Park in Melbourne, emphasising the historical significance of Phillip Island and its economic contributions to the region.
Local businesses and the Bass Coast community have voiced strong opposition to losing the race, pointing to its multi-million-dollar annual impact and deeply rooted cultural value. A petition circulated by local authorities reflects broad support for the event to remain at Phillip Island.
However, the mounting stalemate over facilities, spectator numbers and long-term commercial arrangements appears to have opened the door for a rival bid from South Australia, where state leaders are keen to capitalise on hosting high-value motorsport events.
A New Era for Australian MotoGP
If confirmed, the move would end nearly three decades of MotoGP at Phillip Island. The circuit’s fast, flowing layout and coastal backdrop have made it a favourite among riders and fans worldwide, known for its punishing corners and unpredictable conditions.
While street circuits elsewhere can bring huge television audiences and urban excitement, many in the motorcycle community remain sceptical motorcycle racing would ever embrace narrow, close-barrier street layouts due to safety concerns — a sentiment echoed by riders and commentators alike.
As Australia prepares for the 2026 MotoGP and the Bass Coast region rallies to retain the race, the prospect of the Australian round being held in a completely new setting from 2027 seems increasingly likely — marking the end of an era and the beginning of an uncertain new chapter for two-wheeled racing in the country.
