MotoGP, Sportrik Media - The FIM MotoGP World Championship will relocate the Australian Grand Prix from Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit to a new Adelaide street circuit starting in 2027, a decision shaped by commercial strategy and regional government negotiations.
Initially, promoter Dorna Sports explored moving the event to Albert Park in Melbourne. However, the Victorian government rejected the proposal, citing concerns over potential disruption to the central business district if both Formula 1 and MotoGP were staged in close proximity within the calendar. That rejection effectively redirected negotiations toward South Australia.
The South Australian government subsequently secured an agreement to host MotoGP in Adelaide as a city-based street event. The move aligns with the broader commercial direction under Liberty Media, which has emphasized urban spectacle, fan engagement zones and city integration as part of motorsport’s evolving entertainment model.
Historically, Australia has already experienced a major venue transition in top-tier motorsport. In 1996, Formula 1 moved the Australian Grand Prix from Adelaide to Albert Park, Melbourne, following contractual changes and infrastructure considerations. The MotoGP relocation effectively represents a reversal of that historical shift, this time moving from a permanent coastal circuit to a metropolitan street layout.
Phillip Island has been the permanent home of the Australian Grand Prix since 1997 and remains widely regarded as one of the championship’s classic venues. However, in the modern global motorsport landscape, host city investment, commercial activation potential and government backing increasingly influence long-term calendar decisions.
Australian Grand Prix Venue Transitions
| Event | From | To | Effective Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Formula 1 | Adelaide | Albert Park (Melbourne) | 1996 |
| MotoGP | Phillip Island | Adelaide | 2027 |
The relocation signals a strategic recalibration of MotoGP’s presence in Australia, prioritizing metropolitan expansion and commercial integration. The 2027 season will determine how effectively the Adelaide street race balances spectacle, sporting integrity and long-term economic viability.
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