Australian MotoGP to Leave Phillip Island for South Australia in 2027

The Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix is set to leave its longtime home at Phillip Island in Victoria after the state government rejected a proposal from MotoGP organizers to relocate the event to Melbourne's Albert Park circuit, paving the way for South Australia to host the race starting in 2027.

The Victorian government, led by Premier Jacinta Allan, announced on Tuesday that it would not approve the shift despite months of negotiations with Dorna Sports, the commercial rights holder for MotoGP, now rebranded as MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group. Officials stated that the state had offered additional funding to upgrade the Phillip Island circuit and enhance the event beyond 2026, but only if it remained at the coastal track south of Melbourne. "The Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix is synonymous with Phillip Island, and Victoria is proud to support it," the government said in a statement. "As regional Australia's biggest international sporting event, the Motorcycle GP brings tens of thousands of visitors to Phillip Island every year. It's good for tourism, good for local businesses, and good for jobs."

Dorna had pushed for the move to Albert Park, the venue for the Formula 1...