Marco Bezzecchi
Countless people have expressed resentment towards MotoGP after they decided to move the Australian Grand Prix to a street circuit in Adelaide, and it really is not hard to see why.
As of 2027, the iconic Phillip Island circuit, a favourite for fans and several riders on the grid for its crazy fast layout, will no longer host the Australian Grand Prix.
As much as the Victorian government tried to keep it on the calendar, which included rejecting a proposal to move to Albert Park, Phillip Island will leave MotoGP and will be replaced by a street circuit in Adelaide, marking history for MotoGP, but not in a good way.
Is MotoGP selling its soul by leaving Phillip Island?
Dorna, now MotoGP Sports Entertainment, had been pushing to find a new venue for the Australian GP. The Bend was considered as an option, but that was the backup to Adelaide, with Liberty Media openly exploring the idea of street circuits joining the calendar.
When the American media company took over MotoGP last year, many expressed concern as to what the sport would look like, given what has transpired in Formula 1. A street circuit joining the calendar is the first glimpse of their ownership, and it is such a backwards step.
MotoGP have made a backwards step for rider safety by replacing Phillip Island for Adelaide street circuit
Rumours of street circuits coming to MotoGP are nothing new and have been in the pipeline since Liberty’s takeover was confirmed. It is not surprising to hear that these proposals were met with widespread criticism almost immediately.
In fact, when it was first proposed, MotoGP fans said they would be ‘out’ if Liberty introduced street circuits. It does not need to be explained how dangerous it is for a rider to come off their bike at high speed and hit a concrete wall.
Even with the advanced safety measures, including the air bag suit and protective air barriers, riding on a street circuit increases the risks significantly. Of course, the governing body is aware of this, hence why, when Albert Park was discussed for the Australian GP, larger run-off areas were proposed.
Would you boycott the 2027 Australian Grand Prix after MotoGP confirmed it will be a street race in Adelaide?
This, plus safer barriers, is a necessity for Adelaide in 2027. But even with these measures, moving to the street circuit in the first place is such a backwards step from MotoGP when they have worked so hard over the years to improve rider safety.
Phillip Island has produced great moments over the years and is adored by all. Moving to a street circuit indicates that Liberty are more focused on the spectacle of the sport, rather than the racing action and the safety of the riders.
Several key figures agree that Phillip Island leaving MotoGP is a big mistake
Multiple key figures, including Casey Stoner, have criticised the decision to drop Phillip Island from the calendar.
Valentino Rossi said it would be a ‘great shame’ to lose Phillip Island from MotoGP. He won at the circuit eight times throughout his motorcycle career.
MotoGP fans think losing Phillip Island is a ‘horrible mistake’ from the sport. Many have expressed anger that a street circuit will replace it, with many being worried over the safety of the layout.
Interestingly, MotoGP’s only Australian rider, Jack Miller, says Adelaide is ‘amazing news’ for the sport, calling it ‘really cool’ that the city will attract an international audience. Only time will tell if the event and the track will be a success.
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