January 16, 2026 — 7:00pm
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Victoria is poised to lose the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix, ending the MotoGP’s long connection to Phillip Island and dealing a blow to the Allan government.
The Australian Grand Prix Corporation has for months been locked in tense negotiations with MotoGP rights holder Dorna Sports to extend a contract to host the race at the famed Phillip Island circuit.
However, a government source familiar with the negotiations told The Age on Friday that Spain-based Dorna Sports had demanded the event be moved to Albert Park in inner Melbourne if the contract is to be renewed.
Dorna Sports has openly considered racing more on street circuits since it was bought by Formula 1 owners Liberty Media last year.
The Victorian government, however, has upped its financial offer to retain the event at Phillip Island, while baulking at the substantial upgrades required for the event to be held at Albert Park.
The Victorian source, granted anonymity because of the sensitive negotiations, said the impasse had led to the South Australian government already holding secret discussions with Dorna representatives before Christmas about possibly staging the event at a street circuit in Adelaide.
An official Victorian government spokesperson said negotiations with Dorna were ongoing and confidential, but indicated the state was committed to holding the event at Phillip Island.
“The Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix is synonymous with Phillip Island – we are proud to back this much-loved, iconic event that showcases the best of the Bass Coast to a global audience,” they said.
The MotoGP has been staged at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit since 1997 and has been a significant source of tourism and economic activity for the region.
Circuit owner Andrew Fox said the event had a long-standing connection with Phillip Island and had been the scene of several historic victories by local riders, including Mick Doohan and Casey Stoner.
An aerial view of the Phillip Island track in 1999.Roger Dundas
“I’m just a circuit hire, so I’m not involved in any of the negotiations, but Dorna is taking a new direction,” Fox said.
“A street race for the MotoGP? I don’t think that’s ever going to happen. The Albert Park residents are already in uproar over the Formula 1, and the run-off component for the event, if it were to be held at Albert Park, would require significant removal of vegetation – which can’t happen.”
Motorcycle circuits typically require more space than Formula 1 tracks so riders who crash can slide onto large run-off areas and minimise injury.
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Many of Albert Park’s barriers are close to the track, meaning motorcycle races would likely require track expansion and tree felling, which would further anger locals and cost millions of dollars.
Fox said he was confident that Australian Grand Prix Corporation chairman Martin Pakula and chief executive Travis Auld would negotiate the best outcome for Victoria.
A spokeswoman for the Australian Grand Prix Corporation did not respond to questions from The Age but said in a statement: “Phillip Island is an iconic destination and one of the most renowned circuits on the MotoGP calendar, and we greatly look forward to returning in October 2026.
“The community atmosphere on the Island, along with the region’s diverse tourism experiences, showcases the best of Victoria.”
Mick Doohan in action at the Australian MotoGP on Phillip Island.Joe Armao
Bass Coast Shire Mayor Rochelle Halstead said recent uncertainty about the Phillip Island event had prompted thousands to sign a petition and email Premier Jacinta Allan, urging her to keep it.
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“For decades, the MotoGP has put Phillip Island on the world stage,” Halstead said in a statement.
“It has supported local businesses, created jobs, filled our accommodation, and brought energy and excitement to our towns year after year. This event is part of who we are, and the strength of feeling across our community demonstrates that.”
Convoys of motorsport teams and fans drive from Melbourne and beyond to the relatively isolated Ventnor track for the race each year, which the mayor said generated close to $100 million for the local economy.
“Council has consistently advocated for the long-term future of MotoGP at Phillip Island and I will continue to fight for this event and what it represents for our region,” she said.
Dorna Sports, which is headquartered in Spain, was contacted for comment.
The South Australian government was also contacted several times.
The final Australian Grand Prix under Phillip Island’s current 10-year contract will be held from Friday, October 23 to Sunday, October 25 this year.
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