Phillip Island’s long‑running Motorcycle Grand Prix is at risk, with Melbourne media reporting that MotoGP promoter Dorna Sports is pressuring the Victorian Government to relocate the event to Melbourne’s Albert Park if the contract is to continue beyond 2026. According to The Age, a government source said Dorna’s position has hardened since Formula 1 owner Liberty Media acquired a majority stake in the company last year, with a growing preference for street‑based circuits. The Victorian Government has reportedly increased its financial offer to keep the event at Phillip Island but is unwilling to commit to the extensive upgrades required to host MotoGP at Albert Park. The stalemate has prompted the South Australian Government to enter confidential discussions with Dorna about staging the race on a street circuit in Adelaide. Circuit co‑owner Andrew Fox said Albert Park residents would likely oppose a MotoGP event due to the significant vegetation removal and circuit expansion required, noting that motorcycle racing typically demands more space than Formula 1. Bass Coast Shire Mayor Rochelle Halstead reaffirmed the council’s strong support for retaining the event on Phillip Island, emphasising its economic and cultural importance. “For decades, the MotoGP has put Phillip Island on the world stage,” […]
Ahead of the 2025 WorldSBK season opener at Phillip Island, organisers have confirmed that the WorldSBK and WorldSSP races will again follow a flag-to-flag format, requiring all riders to make a mandatory pit stop for tyre changes. This decision comes in response to concerns regarding the unpredictable weather and wide range of track temperatures expected at Phillip Island from February 21st to 23rd. Combined with the circuit’s unique layout and challenging surface, these factors have necessitated this precautionary measure to ensure the safety and competitiveness of the event. A similar approach was implemented successfully during the 2024 season following the circuit’s resurfacing. Following extensive analysis of the circuit’s characteristics, the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) and Dorna WSBK Organization (DWO) determined that rear tyres must not exceed 11 laps for the WorldSBK class and 10 laps for the WorldSSP class. As a result, the race distances for WorldSBK Race 1 and Race 2 will be set at 20 laps, with riders allocated two additional sets of tyres for the weekend. Gregorio Lavilla – WorldSBK Executive director “Phillip Island is renowned for its thrilling, high-speed layout, but it also presents unique challenges due to its surface and rapidly changing weather. Despite […]
