Australian Government Rejects Proposal to Move Australian MotoGP to Albert Park

The Government of Victoria, Australia, has officially rejected a proposal from MotoGP Sports

Entertainment (formerly Dorna Sports) to move the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix from its

long-standing home at Phillip Island to the Albert Park street circuit in Melbourne.

The suggestion to relocate the race had gained traction as the current contract with Phillip

Island is set to expire after the 2026 event, opening the door for alternative venues. Albert Park, which hosts the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, was seen by MotoGP promoters as a

commercially appealing option given its proximity to Melbourne’s CBD.

In a firm response, Government of Victoria stated that the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix is “synonymous with Phillip Island” and reaffirmed its commitment to keeping the event there. The government highlighted the race’s economic benefits to the Phillip Island region, including tourism, local business activity, and employment.

Although the move to Albert Park was rejected, the government has indicated it is willing to

invest additional funding to help develop the MotoGP event beyond 2026, provided the race

remains at Phillip Island. This includes support for infrastructure upgrades to bring the venue

more in line with modern MotoGP requirements.

The decision comes as discussions continue over the long-term future of the Australian GrandPrix, with the current contract expiring later this year and negotiations still underway.