Dorna has formalized the agreement which will move the race to the Adelaide Street Circuit from 2027: it will be the first time for the premier class on a city circuit. Ezpeleta: “The track is designed to meet the highest safety standards.” The Australian champion doesn’t agree: “Why take away the best track in the World Championship?”
MotoGP says goodbye to Phillip Island. The 2026 Australian GP will be the last edition held on the track designed within the island not far from Melbourne. Starting next season, the MotoGP will move to Adelaide. The name is not new for F1 fans: the track, in fact, will follow in the footsteps of the track present in F1 from 1985 to 1995. The Adelaide Street Circuit will be the first street circuit in the history of MotoGP and will be included in the calendar for six years, i.e. up to and including 2032. This track will be 4,195 meters long and characterized by 18 curves distributed among the city streets. Pilots will be able to reach speeds above 340 km/h. The event will take place in November.
turning point
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The news was made official today by Carlos Ezpeleta, MotoGP sporting director, during an event open to Australian journalists: “Bringing MotoGP to Adelaide marks a milestone in the evolution of our championship. This city has a world-class reputation for major sporting events. The opportunity to design a purpose-built circuit on its streets is something truly unique for our sport.” The Spanish director responds to those who have doubts about safety: “From the beginning, together with the FIM, we have made sure not to compromise on this issue. All elements of the Adelaide Street Circuit have been designed to meet the highest standards of modern MotoGP, ensuring riders can compete at maximum intensity in complete safety. Ezpeleta concludes: “Adelaide’s commitment to major events makes it the perfect venue for the next chapter of MotoGP in Australia. We are incredibly excited to present this new style here and create an event that brings fans even closer together. This partnership represents a bold ambition on the part of MotoGP and Australia. We couldn’t be more proud to begin this journey together.”
success
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Also present was Peter Malinauskas, Prime Minister of South Australia: “This is a great success for us and yet more proof that our State has real momentum. We are competing in this country to host the best events in the world. And we are making a name for ourselves. Hosting the world’s first MotoGP race on a street circuit will offer Adelaide something truly unique that will attract visitors from across the State and overseas.” Therefore a special occasion for many reasons: “It will be much more than a world-class motoring event: it will involve an economic spin-off, the support of employment and the affirmation of South Australia on the global stage”. Malinauskas looks to the future with optimism: “We support major events that generate a strong economic return. MotoGP does exactly this. It is growing at a record pace. Adelaide will be a decisive element for this growth.”
protest
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The announcement of Adelaide’s entry comes just hours after a protest sparked by Casey Stoner. The Australian legend, twice king in MotoGP, had released a post on Instagram with his own reflection: “MotoGP is about to remove Phillip Island from the calendar! It is one of the greatest motorcycle circuits in the entire world, it has produced some of the greatest and most entertaining races we have witnessed and continues to do so, year after year. It would be set aside in place of a race in Adelaide and presumably on a road circuit. Why should MotoGP remove its best track from the calendar? I’ll leave everyone with their own considerations…”. A decidedly polemical comment.
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