Victoria has lost the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix after three decades, ending the race’s long connection to Phillip Island and dealing a blow to the Victorian government.
A government source familiar with the situation told this masthead that Victoria had lost the event and confirmed it would be moving to South Australia.
Victoria will no longer host the Moto GP Credit: Getty Images
The Australian Grand Prix Corporation has for months been locked in tense negotiations with Dorna Sports to extend a contract to host the race at the famed Phillip Island circuit.
On Tuesday, the Allan government ruled out a request from MotoGP rights holder Dorna Sports to move the event to Albert Park.
In a statement, the government said the state had agreed to contribute additional funding to help Dorna Sports create a “bigger, better event beyond 2026” but only on the condition that the event remained at Phillip Island. The race will now move to South Australia.
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Destination Philip Island regional tourism chairman Geoff Webb said he had not received confirmation from anyone, but said it would be a massive loss to the region.
“It’s a significant blow to tourism for the region and will have a huge impact on hospitality, retail and local employment,” he told this masthead.
“It also reduces international exposure for Victoria. We’ve been working for six months with the government and council and stakeholders to maintain the event, which contributes significantly to local economy.
