Marco Bezzecchi
Carlos Ezpeleta has discussed the possibility of the new Adelaide Grand Prix becoming the season finale.
The news regarding the Adelaide Grand Prix had finally passed after the start of the 2026 MotoGP season in Thailand, but a new revelation could reignite the fire.
When it was announced that MotoGP would stop racing at Phillip Island at the end of 2026 in favour of a trip to a new street circuit in Adelaide there were mixed opinions from riders and teams.
However, there have now been discussions that suggest MotoGP may make the new Adelaide Grand Prix the season finale for the 2027 MotoGP championship.
Would you boycott the 2027 Australian Grand Prix after MotoGP confirmed it will be a street race in Adelaide?
Adelaide could replace Valencia as the 2027 MotoGP finale
Whilst discussing the upcoming Adelaide Grand Prix in 2027 with Motosprint, Carlos Ezpeleta revealed where the new round could land on the 2027 MotoGP calendar.
The MotoGP Chief Sporting Officer revealed that the Grand Prix will take place towards the end of the 2027 season, and will take place in November.
However, he went on to suggest that it may take the season finale spot away from Valencia, with hopes that Qatar will become the season opener once again.
Ezpeleta said, “The plan is to hold the GP in November 2027, but the calendar is in flux: for example, we’re trying to figure out whether or not the inaugural Grand Prix can return to Qatar, but Adelaide will certainly be one of the last races.
“It could be the last, although Valencia is a major event and we’ll have to think about it.”
Why MotoGP decided to leave Phillip Island for Adelaide
Despite the backlash from the decision to abandon Phillip Island at the end of the 2026 season, Ezpeleta has discussed the reasons behind leaving the iconic circuit.
The Spaniard revealed that the weather challenges at Phillip Island and the continued interruptions from wildlife were the deciding factors behind the decision.
Ezpeleta added, “We conducted lengthy negotiations regarding Australia. The Bend was a possibility, but we realized it wasn’t the right location, so we moved to the historic former Formula One track in Adelaide, realizing it would be an ambitious but interesting project.
“We worked quickly with the FIM, running up to 37 track simulations to determine whether it was possible to hold a GP there, and after a couple of months we reached a conclusion. As a MotoGP fan, I know very well how special the Phillip Island layout is, but the reality is that the challenges of staying there were many, and many don’t know how many problems we’ve had in recent years, having to talk to the riders on Friday every time to determine whether it would be possible to race or not.
“A few years ago, we had to raise the red flag because a marshall was suffering from hypothermia, not to mention the animals. I think Adelaide will be a wonderful event, and from a safety standpoint, we’re confident because we’re preparing everything down to the last detail.”
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