Adelaide is set to become the new home of the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix, starting in 2027. In a significant shake-up for the sport, MotoGP has announced the race will move from its long-standing location at Phillip Island to a purpose-built street circuit in the South Australian capital. The move marks the first time MotoGP will race on a street circuit, a development mirroring the success of Formula 1’s street circuit races.
The agreement, struck between MotoGP, the South Australian Government and the City of Adelaide, will spot the event staged annually through 2032. The planned 4.195-kilometer circuit will feature 18 corners and is expected to see top speeds reaching 340 kilometers per hour, according to Fox Sports Australia. The design will draw inspiration from the Adelaide street circuit that previously hosted Formula 1 racing between 1985, and 1995.
MotoGP Chief Sporting Officer Carmelo Ezpeleta hailed the move as a “major milestone” for the championship. “Bringing MotoGP to Adelaide marks a major milestone in the evolution of our championship,” Ezpeleta stated. “This city has a world-class reputation for hosting major sporting events, and the opportunity to design a purpose-built circuit in the city streets is something truly unique in our sport.”
South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the coup for the state. “Here’s a major coup for South Australia and yet more evidence our state has real momentum,” Malinauskas said. “We are now competing with the rest of the nation for the world’s best events – and winning. Hosting the world’s first MotoGP race on a street circuit will give Adelaide a truly unique offering that is sure to attract visitors from interstate and overseas.”
End of an Era at Phillip Island
The shift to Adelaide signals the end of an era for Phillip Island, which has hosted the Australian Grand Prix since 1989 and annually since 1997, with the exception of cancellations in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2026 race will be the last held at the iconic Victorian circuit, as confirmed by the ABC. Victoria had reportedly explored options to keep the race within the state, including a move to Melbourne’s Albert Park circuit, but these efforts were unsuccessful.
Victorian Minister for Sports and Events Steve Dimopoulos stated the government would not concede to requests to move the event from Phillip Island. “We grasp 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, as reported by the ABC.
Adelaide’s Growing Sporting Portfolio
Adelaide is already a prominent sporting destination, annually hosting events such as the LIV Golf Tour, the UCI Tour Down Under cycling race, and Australia’s Supercars Championship Clipsal 500. The city likewise boasts professional teams in cricket, soccer, netball, basketball, and rugby league. The addition of MotoGP further solidifies Adelaide’s position as a major hub for international sporting events.
What’s Next for MotoGP in Australia?
The 2027 Adelaide Grand Prix will be paired with the Adelaide Grand Final of the Supercars series, creating a major motorsport festival for fans. Although the move marks a new chapter for MotoGP in Australia, the focus now shifts to the design and construction of the Adelaide street circuit and the logistical planning for the inaugural event. The 2026 race at Phillip Island will serve as a farewell to a beloved venue and a transition to the exciting new era in Adelaide.
The move to a street circuit is a strategic one for MotoGP, following a blueprint similar to that of Formula 1, and aims to bring the racing action closer to fans. What remains to be seen is how the unique challenges of a street circuit will impact the racing itself and the overall fan experience.
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