Francesco Bagnaia says Adelaide is ‘definitely’ better than one track, ‘essentially a parking lot’

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Ducati rider Francesco Bagnaia has spoken favourably about the new Adelaide street circuit, saying it is better than one current MotoGP track.

The premier class will move the Australian Grand Prix from Phillip Island to an all-new street course in Adelaide from next season. MotoGP’s decision has raised concerns about rider safety, while many fans have blasted the sport for dropping an iconic track from the calendar.

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But while several key figures have also expressed anger about the decision, some are looking at the new street circuit with an open mind. Bagnaia is one of those riders.

Naturally, MotoGP will ensure that Adelaide will not be a full-on street circuit, in that there will be enough run-off areas for crashes and the top speed will be managed. Bagnaia has already spoken well about the layout.

Francesco Bagnaia says Adelaide is ‘definitely’ better than Balaton Park

Speaking via GPOne, the Italian hopes that the Adelaide course is ‘safe’ for the riders and is held in a ‘fun setting’. Bagnaia would not be in favour of racing in a ‘parking lot’, using Balaton Park as an example.

He believes that Australia’s new MotoGP course is already better than the Hungarian Grand Prix, even before it has hosted a race: “If it’s a safe track and we can race in a fun setting without having to do it in a parking lot, then I’m happy,” said Bagnaia about Adelaide.

“I’ve seen the layout of the Adelaide track, it doesn’t look bad – definitely better than Balaton Park, which is essentially a parking lot.

“It’ll be something different and interesting. Obviously, losing a circuit like Phillip Island is tough emotionally, it was really great to race there.”

READ MORE: Everything to know about Francesco Bagnaia from net worth to race number

Balaton Park was widely criticised during its first MotoGP race in 2025

The Hungarian GP returned to the MotoGP calendar in 2025, having last hosted a race in 1992. However, the Balaton Park circuit was widely hated among fans and riders.

Besides the race being a procession, with little action on track, there were huge concerns about rider safety. Enea Bastianini crashed at turn 12 during the race and ended up sliding into the path of the field as they exited turn 13.

Brad Binder suggested killing the speed as one improvement for the track after Bastianini’s frightening near-miss. The circuit will host round eight of the 2026 season, but not many people like the layout.

Aprilia boss Massimo Rivola was the only one to stand up about Balaton Park and its dangers. Now, Bagnaia is the latest to voice criticism of the Hungarian GP.