Marco Bezzecchi
MotoGP have dropped Phillip Island as the host circuit for the Australian Grand Prix starting from 2027, and avid fans of the premier class have shared their dismay over the move.
Following the conclusion of the 2025 Australian Grand Prix, rumours began swirling over the future of Phillip Island as the host of the race down under.
The Victoria-based circuit has hosted the race since 1997, and it emerged in January that Dorna were in ‘secret’ negotiations to move the Grand Prix from Phillip Island to Adelaide.
Now, a report from 7News Australia has confirmed that the Australian GP will no longer be held at its long-time home in Victoria, with South Australia tipped to have secured the rights to it.
Official confirmation of the move is expected on Thursday, and MotoGP fans have already shared their fury over the premier class moving away from one of the calendar’s jewels.
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MotoGP fans are devastated about Phillip Island being dropped from hosting the Australian Grand Prix
After the report landed on Reddit, fans were quick to voice their dismay over the 2026 Australian Grand Prix being the final edition that is held at the fan-favourite Phillip Island.
Some fans blamed MotoGP’s new owners, Liberty Media, for the quick shift away from the beloved circuit, with one fan furiously commenting, “Liberty have owned MotoGP for how long and already begun to ruin it?
“This is a horrible decision and one that I think the riders will be absolutely p—– about. Basically every rider has it as a top-three track on the calendar.”
Another fan shared his worries over the future of MotoGP now that one of its best circuits is leaving the calendar, posting, “Buckle up, folks. Nothing is sacred; they’re going to drain all the soul out of the sport.”
One Reddit user replied to the comment with, “Liberty have done the same to F1, so it’s not a surprise they’re doing the same to MotoGP.”
The only sentiment from fans regarding the move is negative. Another posted, “I can’t help but feel that this decision is nothing short of a travesty. MotoGP is truly losing one of the best circuits in the world.”
While another fan noted that money usually talks when it comes to the yearly schedule, it doesn’t mean that fans will be treated to exciting races. They commented, “Best track on the grid to me. Always spectacular races, this is truly too bad. And the profitable tracks are usually rather uninteresting.”
Finally, one avid visitor of the Victoria-based circuit highlighted its unique atmosphere, writing, “You can’t beat the atmosphere at Phillip Island. The track is top tier, and the flowing nature is a racer’s dream.”
- READ MORE: Ranking the top five Australian MotoGP riders ever including Casey Stoner and Jack Miller
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MotoGP riders will also be furious about the decision to move the Australian Grand Prix away from Phillip Island
As one fan alluded to in their comments above, Phillip Island isn’t just a fan favourite, it’s also one of the most enjoyable race weekends for most riders on the MotoGP grid, too.
Marc Marquez has enjoyed three victories in Australia during his career in the premier class, including five pole positions.
The Spaniard has previously voiced his love for the circuit, telling journalists via Speed Media, “It’s one of my favourite circuits, and I enjoy it a lot.”
MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi shares a similar opinion on the circuit, previously saying, “Phillip Island is one of the best tracks of the season, all of the riders love this place.”
Jack Miller, who has a corner named after him at the race track, is also a huge fan of it. He said, “It’s a circuit made for a MotoGP bike.
“The best corner has to be Turn 1. Going down that front straight into there, you never lose that feeling lap after lap for 27 laps. You feel the same way going in there on the last lap as you do on the first. It’s scary, but one of the coolest feelings on a motorbike.”
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