MotoGP set to move to South Australia as Victoria Government opposes move from Phillip Island to Albert Park
Where the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix will be held next year has been revealed after news it was leaving Phillip Island broke.
South Australia is set to pinch the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix from Victoria.
SA is expected to confirm on Thursday it will host the grand prix from 2027.
Victoria’s government wanted to keep the grand prix at Phillip Island, opposing a request from race organisers to shift the event to Melbourne’s Albert Park.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.But the Victorian government, despite offering an undisclosed sum to the MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group, formerly known as Dorna, failed to lock in a fresh contract for next year onwards.
SA’s government swooped, with a circuit on Adelaide city streets a likely location, though initial races could be staged at The Bends Motorsport Park at Tailem Bend, about 100km south-east of Adelaide..
The event last year at Phillip Island, which has hosted the race since 1997, attracted 91,000 spectators. The grand prix was estimated to generate more than $54 million a year in economic benefit to Victoria.
SA and Victorian governments have been approached for comment.
SA Premier Peter Malinauskas has made known his desire to attract more sporting major events to his state.
But earlier Wednesday, Malinauskas was tight-lipped about securing the MotoGP, saying he was “not going to start playing speculative games”.
“We’re not interested in a bidding contest,” he said.
“We always look at opportunities and we form a view about what something is worth but I’m not getting into a bidding contest.”
Malinauskas was instrumental in Adelaide and surrounds being given hosting rights for the AFL’s Gather Round, when all 18 clubs play in SA, and also LIV Golf, which has held an Australian tournament in Adelaide for the past four years.
SA hosted the Formula One grand prix at an Adelaide street circuit from 1985 to 1995 before losing the race to Melbourne’s Albert Park.
