Miguel Oliveira has opened up about his decision to race on the MotoGP road circuit, which he labeled as ‘absolutely crazy’.
It has been confirmed MotoGP will not be contested at Phillip Island in 2027.He heads to Adelaide and competes on the road circuit for the first time since 1981.
The decision to move the Australian Grand Prix to Adelaide was fast-tracked after the Victorian government rejected a proposal to move the Australian Grand Prix from Phillip Island to Melbourne’s Albert Park.
Phillip Island has been an iconic MotoGP circuit since 1997, having been featured on the calendar. The decision to move out of the historic district was due to the lack of high-end amenities.
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Former MotoGP race winner Miguel Oliveira He shared his thoughts. Speed ​​week On the decision to move the Australian Grand Prix.
The Portuguese rider believes the idea of ​​racing a MotoGP machine on a road circuit is ‘crazy to even think about’.
However, he is confident that Dorna (MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group) and the FIM are aware of the safety concerns and will ‘do everything possible’ to make the circuit as safe as possible.
Oliveira said: “Absolutely not. Re-energise before the race? If you want to race, I don’t see any other solution. If you go over 300 km/h on a MotoGP bike, you can’t cross white lines, painted sections or anything like that.”
It’s crazy to even think about, but I’m sure Dorna and FIM are well aware. I trust that they will agree and do everything possible to keep MotoGP running on a safe track. I believe their priority is to ensure the safety of their drivers.
Miguel Oliveira believes that ‘it is always good to accept a new type of circuit’
Oliveira’s former MotoGP teammate; Jack Miller believes the move to Adelaide is ‘fantastic news’ for MotoGP..
Although Oliveira is cautious due to safety concerns, he admits that racing in the city would make MotoGP more exciting and ‘welcome a new type of circuit’.
“I think there are two approaches to this,” Olivera said.
I’m sure with the acquisition of Liberty Media they are trying to attract new people and attract new audiences and bring motorsport closer to the cities. Obviously cars can do it, but it’s more challenging for motorcycles.
I’m sure if they get an agreement to comply with the FIM rules, a race can be organized in a city or on an island or in the desert. I think that would make motorcycle racing more fun.
“Change is sometimes difficult to accept and fight for. I love coming to Phillip Island and of course, I would love to continue racing here, but it’s always good to welcome a new type of circuit.”
