MotoGP, Sportrik Media - Jack Miller and Aleix Espargaro have publicly supported the decision to relocate the Australian Grand Prix to a new Adelaide street circuit from 2027, expressing confidence that safety standards will meet modern MotoGP requirements.
The official announcement confirmed that the Australian round will move from Phillip Island to a purpose-adapted street layout in central Adelaide, marking the championship’s first-ever street circuit event in Australia. The decision follows months of uncertainty regarding Phillip Island’s future, including a rejected proposal to shift the race to Albert Park before a final agreement was reached with the South Australian government.
The new configuration will utilise an adapted version of the former Formula 1 circuit layout in Adelaide. However, the prospect of a street race in the premier class has generated debate over potential safety implications. Speaking during the Adelaide press conference, Miller placed his full trust in the organisers and in MotoGP’s safety governance structure, including Chief Sporting Officer Carlos Ezpeleta.
“There won’t be any concrete barriers or air fences within touching distance,” Miller stated.
“I have complete faith in Carlos and his calculations. We sit down every Friday afternoon at the grand prix and have meetings. We discuss any concerns — track safety, exit areas, gravel depth, run-off consistency, even the size of the stones in the gravel.”
Miller highlighted the extensive accident database available to MotoGP officials, including telemetry from G-force sensors embedded in riders’ suits. According to the Australian, circuit planning is based on detailed modelling of stopping distances and impact data, ensuring compliance with established safety parameters in typical crash scenarios.
On social media, Espargaro also sought to ease concerns, clarifying that the Adelaide project would not resemble a narrow Monaco-style Formula 1 street circuit. Instead, he emphasised that the layout is expected to incorporate sufficient run-off space comparable to — or potentially safer than — certain sections of Phillip Island.
With an initial contract running through 2032 and formal homologation overseen by the FIM, the Adelaide project forms part of MotoGP’s broader urban expansion strategy while maintaining uncompromised safety benchmarks. Final circuit specifications are anticipated following the completion of detailed design and inspection phases ahead of the November 2027 debut.
Rider Support Overview – Adelaide MotoGP 2027
Jack Miller – Expressed full confidence in safety standards
Aleix Espargaro – Backed run-off design and homologation process
MotoGP SEG – Event organiser and promoter
FIM – Governing body responsible for circuit homologation
Photo Gallery
Read Also
Australian MotoGP will move from Phillip Island to a new Adelaide street circuit in 2027 under a contract running through 2032.
Alex Rins reveals he turned down a 2023 Gresini Ducati offer and instead chose a factory deal with Honda.
Dorna Sports will become MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group from 2026 under Liberty Media, signalling a new commercial era for MotoGP.
Discussion (0)
Please login to join the discussion.
Latest Comments
No comments yet. Be the first!