- Six-year agreement signed until 2032 inclusive
- Series drops fan-favourite Phillip Island after 29 years
- The Bend is reportedly a backup option if street circuit doesn’t meet required safety standards
MotoGP has confirmed that the Australian Grand Prix will switch to a street circuit in Adelaide from 2027.
A six-year agreement has been signed to host the first MotoGP race staged on a city-centre track until 2032 inclusive. The inaugural event will be held across three days in November 2027.
The track design takes inspiration from the layout used for the Formula One races held in Adelaide between 1985 and 1995. It will be approximately 4.2 kilometres long with 18 corners, and it will enable riders to reach speeds of more than 340 kilometres per hour.
“Bringing MotoGP to Adelaide marks a major milestone in the evolution of our championship,” said Carlos Ezpeleta, chief sporting officer of MotoGP.
“This city has a world class reputation for hosting major sporting events, and the opportunity to design a purpose built circuit in the city streets is something truly unique in our sport.
“From the very beginning, together with the FIM [International Motorcycling Federation], we made sure that safety remained uncompromised – every element of the Adelaide Street Circuit has been engineered to meet the highest standards of modern MotoGP, ensuring riders can race at full intensity with complete confidence.
“Adelaide’s commitment to major events makes it the perfect home for MotoGP’s next chapter in Australia. We’re incredibly excited to showcase a new style of racing here and to create a true celebration of our sport that brings fans even closer to the action.
“This partnership represents bold ambition from both MotoGP and Australia – and we couldn’t be prouder to begin this journey together.”
This year’s Australian Grand Prix in October will be the last at Phillip Island, a fan-favourite track that has hosted each iteration of the race since 1997.
It was revealed earlier this week that MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group, formerly known as Dorna Sports, had requested for the event to be moved to Albert Park, the host of the Formula One Grand Prix, from 2027.
The request was rejected and the Victorian government promised to commit additional funding to future races on the condition it remained at Phillip Island. However, minister for sports and events Steve Dimopoulos told local media that efforts to retain the race in the region had been unsuccessful.
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BlackBook says…
For the first time in MotoGP, a decision has been made that appears to bear the unmistakable fingerprints of Liberty Media.
Since officially acquiring the global motorcycling series in July 2025, Liberty has largely adopted a hands-off approach to leadership. Many of the recent changes aimed at modernising the sport have come from Dorna – now operating as MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group – rather than its American owner.
But Liberty does have a recognisable playbook. As Formula One followers know, street circuits are a cornerstone of Liberty’s strategy to bring the sport closer to city centres, commercial partners and new fans.
What Liberty’s Formula One blueprint does not fully account for are the unique safety demands of premier-class motorcycle racing. The official announcement insists the proposed circuit has been designed ‘with the significant adjustments required to ensure rider safety remains the number-one priority’.
Yet, substantial questions remain. Notably, how can a street circuit allow riders to exceed 340 kilometres per hour while also providing the extensive run-off areas essential in MotoGP?
The Bend Motorsport Park, an hour outside of Adelaide, is reportedly a backup option in case the street circuit doesn’t meet the required safety standards. However, switching venues would represent an uncomfortable early misstep for Liberty’s MotoGP era.
Safety concerns are not the only challenge. MotoGP must also navigate the backlash that follows the removal of Phillip Island – one of the most popular circuits on the calendar. Two-time world champion Casey Stoner has already expressed his reservations.
Liberty now faces its biggest test since taking control of MotoGP. The ambition to reshape the series is clear. The question is whether that ambition aligns with the fundamental realities of the sport.
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