Marco Bezzecchi
MotoGP is heading to an all-new street circuit in Adelaide for the Australian Grand Prix in 2027, but rumours are suggesting that the event is actually just a ‘red herring’.
Liberty Media have been openly discussing the idea of street circuits for the MotoGP calendar, and in 2027, it is set to have its very first iteration. Phillip Island will drop off the schedule next year for the first time in almost three decades.
Is MotoGP selling its soul by leaving Phillip Island?
The Australian Grand Prix will instead be run at a street circuit in Adelaide, with striking plans already in place for the race. Reports have suggested that Adelaide could be a night race, and that it could replace Valencia as the season finale.
The decision to drop Phillip Island has been widely criticised by experts, fans and riders, with many coming to the support of the iconic circuit. Liberty will be moving the Australian GP to Adelaide, but rumours are suggesting that that might not actually be the case.
Mat Oxley hears rumours that Adelaide street circuit was a ‘red herring’ to leave Phillip Island
According to journalist Mat Oxley, there have been rumours floating that the plans to build a street circuit in the city are a ‘red herring’ to get away from Phillip Island in 2027.
Speaking via The Oxley Bom MotoGP Podcast, he hints that the event in Adelaide may not actually go ahead, and that the sport will instead go to The Bend, a race track just outside of the city.
Oxley explained: “There are already rumours going around that the whole thing is a bit of a red herring.
“That, they needed a red herring to get the race away from Phillip Island and that actually will just end up going to The Bend, which is outside Adelaide.”
READ MORE: Everything to know about the Australian Grand Prix, including past winners
MotoGP did consider The Bend as an option to replace Phillip Island
Phillip Island organisers desperately tried to keep the Australian GP at the track, with fans imploring Liberty and MotoGP’s governing body to leave the race on the calendar.
But it was to no avail, with the circuit set to drop off the calendar for the first time since 1996. Adelaide was not the only alternative venue considered, however.
Is Phillip Island too dangerous for MotoGP?
The Bend Motorsport Park was in talks with MotoGP over hosting the Australian GP. The circuit, which is an hour outside of Adelaide by car, has eight layouts, with the International Circuit being more suited to motorcycle racing at 4.95km.
It has longed for hosting international sporting events and would be a decent alternative if the Adelaide race was not to go ahead in 2027.
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