Casey Stoner opposes MotoGP move from Phillip Island to Adelaide
NXTbets Pro | Published On: October 7, 2026
Phillip Island move
Casey Stoner said MotoGP leaving Phillip Island for Adelaide is “a huge disappointment” and called himself extremely disappointed with the switch. He said he will fight to bring the Australian Grand Prix back to Phillip Island and does not agree with replacing the island circuit with a street track. Stoner made clear how much the venue means to him, describing Phillip Island as “the world’s greatest motorcycle track” and one of the best and most enjoyable tracks on the calendar. He also called it “the most beautiful track in the world.” Stoner said the track’s lack of grip, dirty asphalt and unpredictable conditions make it difficult to ride, but also make it rewarding. He said those traits help create a demanding challenge that riders should appreciate, even if today’s electronics and aerodynamics mean current riders do not fully experience what Phillip Island is like on a MotoGP bike. He said he would have liked the present generation to enjoy the circuit and understand what it offers before the series moves away.
Safety concerns
Stoner backed up his opposition by pointing to safety. He said he does not agree with moving MotoGP to a street circuit and raised concerns about walls and less runoff at that type of venue. He said riders face far greater risk than car drivers when they make mistakes, and he drew a clear line between the demands of motorcycle racing and the margins available on a circuit built through city streets. For Stoner, the issue goes beyond a simple change of venue. He contrasted Phillip Island with a street layout, where walls and less runoff would raise safety concerns. He also said Phillip Island needs upgrades to its pits, which shows he does see work that can be done at the track. Even so, he did not frame that as a reason to replace the venue. Instead, he made the case for improving the existing circuit and keeping MotoGP there. His comments put safety and track design at the center of the debate, with Stoner arguing that the qualities that make Phillip Island demanding are part of what make it such a strong venue for the series.
Favorite memory
Stoner’s memories of Phillip Island run deep, and he pointed to one race above the rest. His favorite memory at the track was the race where he won and clinched the championship on his birthday. He also said the race there after he returned from an ankle injury meant a great deal to him. Those moments underline how closely he links Phillip Island with some of the biggest points of his career. Stoner spoke about the circuit in emotional terms, but he also tied those feelings to the racing itself. With MotoGP set to move to Adelaide and the final Phillip Island race ahead, Stoner’s comments reflect both pride and frustration. He sees the circuit as a place that challenged riders, rewarded skill and delivered memorable races. For him, that legacy is worth defending.
