MotoGP’s decision to remove Phillip Island from the calendar next season has sparked outrage among fans of the premier class. However, FIM President Jorge Viegas has confirmed that it is not ‘goodbye forever’ to the iconic circuit.
After rumors that Phillip Island’s place on the MotoGP calendar was under threat emerged in the closing stages of last year’s premier class campaign, every fan’s worst nightmare became reality last week.
After news broke that the grid would not return to the Victoria-centric district in 2027, Social media is flooded with MotoGP fans sharing their anger To remove one of the most anticipated race weekends from the calendar with the ‘horrific decision’.
It is expected that the Australian Grand Prix will be held in Adelaide insteadThe sport is expected to attract new audiences and bring more fans to the new street circuit.
It has also been reported that the Grand Prix will be staged as a night race to suit European fans rather than locals.
FIM President George Vegas has hinted that Phillip Island may return to MotoGP in the future
During the interview with MCN AustraliaInternational Motorcycling Federation President George Vegas discusses the reasons behind Phillip Island’s departure from the MotoGP calendar and what could replace it.
The Portuguese executive spoke of fans’ anger, also explaining how Phillip Island officials had had enough time to resolve the issues raised in the Victoria-based circuit.
He said, “I mean, if the conversation is about the tournament and promoting Phillip Island conditions, obviously that’s going to happen one day or the other.
“This was requested 10 years ago to improve the facilities here, and every year they said, ‘Yes, yes, yes, we’ll do it.’ But it never happened, so now it’s gone.”
“Everybody loves this track. I love coming here, but if you want to invite people, if you want to do something different, there’s no hotels, nothing, it’s really hard.”
“So I think it’s a, let’s say, business-based decision, but we can understand it. I’m sorry for everybody losing Phillip Island on the calendar, obviously, but the final talk between them.” (Carmelo) Izpeleta And Mr. Fox, he’s the one who built the facilities, and then we’ll talk about going back. “It’s not goodbye forever.”
Izpeleta has previously shared his desire to introduce road circuits to MotoGP. In an interview at last year’s Formula 1 Grand Prix.
Introducing one of the temporary city tracks on the F1 calendar was the immediate need, but it looks like the Spaniard got his wish. Australian GP Taking place on the streets of Adelaide.
MotoGP riders are paid for their journey from the traditional race track to the street circuit.
With fans making their stance clear on Phillip Island, MotoGP riders past and present are divided on the decision.
Jack Miller thinks the planned trip to Adelaide is ‘fantastic news’ For the sport though his MotoGP legacy is a corner receiver named after him with Phillip Island.
Join him In Adelaide’s defense is Alex Espargaro. The Spaniard believes the Victoria-based circuit is too ‘dangerous’ for the speeds they ride today and welcomes the move to a new, modern track.
On the other hand, Miguel Oliveira highlighted the ‘madness’ of MotoGP turning to street tracks to boost the popularity of the sport.
Of course, without the ability to use as much space as possible, some safety issues, such as insufficient runways, may arise.
