The Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix is leaving Victoria after almost three decades, with South Australia securing the rights to host the event from 2027. The move ends a long-standing connection between the race and the Phillip Island circuit, a relationship that has been a cornerstone of the Victorian motorsport calendar.
The decision, confirmed by sources within the Victorian government on , comes after negotiations with event organizers broke down over a key demand: relocating the race from Phillip Island to Melbourne’s Albert Park. Victorian Minister for Sports and Events Steve Dimopoulos stated the government was unwilling to concede on this point, saying, “We know that we could have kept [the race] in Victoria, had we sold out Phillip Island. We were never willing to sell out Phillip Island.”
While Victoria met all other requests from the event organizer, including the license fee, the insistence on maintaining the race at Phillip Island proved to be a dealbreaker. The government reportedly offered additional funds in an attempt to retain the event, but these efforts were ultimately unsuccessful. Dimopoulos acknowledged awareness of the race’s future location beyond 2027 but declined to disclose details, stating, “I do. I’m not telling you. It’s not my news to share.”
The loss of the MotoGP event represents a significant blow to Victoria’s major events portfolio, particularly as the state continues to navigate the competitive landscape of securing international sporting competitions. The Australian Financial Review noted the move is the latest in a series of setbacks for the Victorian government in attracting and retaining major events.
South Australia, meanwhile, is celebrating a major win. The acquisition of the MotoGP race is seen as a significant boost for the Malinauskas government, particularly with a state election looming in March. The Advertiser reported that the deal was greeted enthusiastically by local billionaire and motorsport enthusiast, whose involvement at The Bend Motorsport Park may have played a role in securing the event.
The 2025 Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix, scheduled to be held at Phillip Island, will be the last race held at the iconic circuit under the current agreement. The decision was made just 24 hours after the Victorian government’s last-ditch attempt to keep the event at its traditional home.
Bass Coast Mayor Rochelle Halstead expressed disappointment at the news, emphasizing the economic impact the race has on the region. She urged the Victorian government to invest in securing a replacement event of similar scale, stating, “We are very, very disappointed and are turning to the government to look to an event that will be of the same calibre.”
The move to Adelaide marks a significant shift in the Australian motorsport landscape. For nearly 30 years, Phillip Island has been synonymous with MotoGP in Australia, attracting fans from around the world and generating substantial economic benefits for the local community. The circuit’s challenging layout and stunning coastal scenery have made it a favorite among riders and spectators alike.
The exact details of the agreement between MotoGP organizers and South Australia have not yet been released. However, the decision signals a willingness from event organizers to explore new venues and opportunities, even if it means breaking with tradition. The race’s relocation underscores the increasing competition among states to attract major sporting events and the importance of government support in securing these opportunities.
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation highlighted the length of the relationship between MotoGP and Phillip Island, noting the almost three decades of hosting the event. The loss is felt keenly by the local community, which has benefited from the influx of tourism and economic activity generated by the race.
While the Victorian government maintains it was unwilling to compromise on the location, the decision raises questions about the state’s approach to securing major events. The willingness to meet all other demands, including the license fee, suggests a strong desire to retain the race, but the inflexibility on the venue ultimately proved costly. The outcome serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between preserving tradition and adapting to changing circumstances in the competitive world of international sports.
