Australian MotoGP race to leave Phillip Island after 2026

[p]The Herald Sun reported on Wednesday afternoon that the state government's offer to MotoGP promoters to upgrade the Phillip Island infrastructure was not enough to lock in a new contract.[/p][p]The raceweek, which has been held on the iconic Victorian island since 1997, looks set to move either to a makeshift Adelaide street circuit or to The Bend Motorsport Park, a one-hour drive out of Adelaide, and could be shifted to the start of the MotoGP calendar when weather is often more favourable. [/p][p]The 2024 race attracted nearly 100,000 visitors to Phillip Island and generated more than $50m of economic benefit (via tourism) to the state as a whole.[/p][p]The news won't come as a surprise to those who have been following the months of stalled negotiations, which came to a head this month when MotoGP promoters left the state government with an ultimatum: move the race to Albert Park in Melbourne or make significant upgrades to the Phillip Island circuit to meet recently elevated international standards.[/p][p]The government released a statement on Tuesday committing to Phillip Island upgrades and ruling out the Albert Park move, but their behind closed doors offer appears to have been insufficient.[/p][p]State Opposition Leader Jess Wilson was quick to pounce on the news.[/p][p]“[b]Another state has snatched the chequered flag and will take the crowds, visitors and economic activity with them,[/b]” Wilson said.[/p][p]“The loss of this event is emblematic of Victoria’s decline under Labor and a huge blow to the local businesses of Phillip Island.[/p][p]“[b]With at least $15bn lost to corruption, is it any wonder why we can’t afford to keep major events in Victoria?[/b]”[/p]