Marco Bezzecchi
Jeremy McWilliams was ‘completely shocked’ when Phillip Island was removed from the MotoGP calendar.
The news that Phillip Island will no longer be on the MotoGP calendar for 2027 has sent shockwaves through the MotoGP paddock.
Although some riders are open to the idea of the proposed replacement street circuit in Adelaide, the vast majority cannot understand why Phillip Island would be replaced.
The decision came after the lack of development of high-standard facilities at Phillip Island, which has led to the idea of moving the Grand Prix to Adelaide.
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Losing Phillip Island may be ‘the greatest damage’ in MotoGP history
Since the announcement was made, former Grand Prix rider Jeremy McWilliams discussed the decision to remove Phillip Island from the MotoGP calendar with Speedweek.
McWilliams, who was the last rider to claim a pole position with a two-stroke machine at Phillip Island, described how he was ‘completely shocked’ by the decision, and he believes it may be the ‘greatest damage’ in MotoGP history.
McWilliams said, “You can ask any rider about their favourite track – and 90 percent will say Phillip Island. The track is absolutely unique. When I rode there for the first time, I was completely shocked.
“What had they done? They simply used a tractor to create a layout in a beautiful landscape. Nobody could have planned something like that. That’s how something unique was created – an incredible circuit that produces equally incredible races.
“I think the announcement was a dark day for MotoGP and its biggest fans. It may inflict the greatest damage in the history of the Motorcycle World Championship.
“The argument is that the new – yet to be precisely defined – street circuit will attract far more fans. Undoubtedly, it can accommodate many more fans – but you can’t truly excite them with speed there. And not even on screens.
“The fans – myself included – spend a lot of money on online streaming services. And why? Because they want to see races like Phillip Island!”
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The support for a MotoGP street circuit is slowly growing
McWilliams is not alone in his thoughts that losing Phillip Island is a bad thing for MotoGP, but the support for the proposed Adelaide street circuit has been growing.
At the announcement event for the new venue, Pramac Yamaha rider Jack Miller gave a press conference where he stated the decision was ‘amazing news’ for the sport.
The current Honda Racing Corporation test rider, Aleix Espargaro, is also excited about the idea of a MotoGP street race, stating he has ‘full trust’ in the concept and the safety procedures.
Former Grand Prix World Champion, Wayne Gardner, believes that Phillip Island lost the Australian Grand Prix due to ‘cost-cutting’ measures.
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