Marco Bezzecchi
The decision has been made that MotoGP will leave Phillip Island at the end of 2026 and head to Adelaide for a street race.
It has been a controversial call due to the legendary status of Phillip Island, and the safety concerns that have been raised regarding a street circuit.
In the wake of the decision to leave Phillip Island, many riders have been outraged by the idea as it has been considered one of the riders’ favourites for many years.
However, there have been a growing number of supporters for the new concept of a MotoGP street race for the first time since 1981.
Adelaide is open to making the Australian Grand Prix a night race to suit European MotoGP fans. A mistake or genius?
Aleix Espargaro has ‘full trust’ in MotoGP’s Adelaide street circuit
One of the riders who has pledged his support to the latest street circuit idea is the Honda test rider, Aleix Espargaro.
The former Grand Prix winner started by labelling Phillip Island as ‘one of the most dangerous circuits on the calendar’ before stating that MotoGP could make Adelaide ‘even safer’ than the current Australian Grand Prix.
When responding to a post on X made by former MotoGP rider Alex Hofmann, Espargaro said, “Finally, someone with common sense and an open mind, who actually analyses things instead of criticising for stepping away from one of the most dangerous circuits on the calendar.
“Can’t wait to know more about this new chapter for MotoGP!”
Espargaro went on to explain how Phillip Island is equally dangerous and how a street circuit could work in MotoGP, “Phillip Island is super fun, but at the same time, for many reasons, is one of the most dangerous circuits on the calendar. Every year is worse…
“It’s not a street circuit like the one we all imagine in Monaco F1 style, but I fully trust that MotoGP has studied Adelaide and is confident they can provide run-off areas that are just as safe (or even safer) than, for example, the final corner at Phillip Island.”
Do you agree with Jack Miller’s comments on the Adelaide street circuit? 🤔
Jack Miller believes a move to Adelaide is ‘amazing news’
Aleix Espargaro is not the only rider to have publicly backed the move to Adelaide in 2027, as current Grand Prix rider Jack Miller has also done so.
The Australian rider who has featured on the podium at Phillip Island, was at the announcement event in Adelaide and appeared in a press conference regarding the news.
During the press conference, Miller called the move to Adelaide ‘amazing news’ and said that the move to Adelaide is ‘really cool for Australia’.
However, two-time MotoGP Champion, Casey Stoner, does not share Miller’s views as he stated, “Why would MotoGP take possibly their best circuit off the calendar?”
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