Bob Barnard, who designed both the Phillip Island and Adelaide Grand Prix layouts, has warned that two of motorcycling’s best-known venues could be lost forever as MotoGP prepares to leave Phillip Island for Adelaide in 2027. In an open letter, Barnard said the shift could undermine Phillip Island’s heritage value and argued that Adelaide’s revised layout would not replace the original circuit concept or Phillip Island’s status as one of motorsport’s most respected venues. He said the issue goes beyond racing, touching on motorsport, environmental heritage and land use, and placed Liberty Media and the South Australian government at the center of the decision.
MotoGP has confirmed the move to a new street circuit in Adelaide from 2027, following a deal reached with the South Australian Government in February that runs through 2032. Adelaide officials are redesigning the track to meet motorcycle safety requirements, in what has been described as the biggest change to the circuit since Barnard’s original 1985 Formula 1 layout, later shortened for Supercars in 1999. Reports also say officials may consider staging the race at night to suit European television audiences.
The final MotoGP race at Phillip Island is set for the 2026 Australian Grand Prix, after the series began racing there in 1997. Barnard has warned that if MotoGP and WorldSBK both leave, owner Lindsay Fox may repurpose the site as a golf course, a rumor that drew strong backlash from fans online. Phillip Island is also expected to lose the World Superbike Championship in 2028, and the Victorian Government is looking for ways to support the island’s tourism economy, including attracting other motorsport events.
More