Labor Links Venue Funding to MotoGP at Phillip Island

Victoria’s Allan Labor Government formally rejected a request from MotoGP Sports Entertainment (formerly Dorna Sports, also referred to as MotoGP Sports Entertainment SL) to move the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix from Phillip Island to Melbourne’s Albert Park, and tied extra state funding to keeping the race at Phillip Island beyond 2026. The government said the event was “synonymous with Phillip Island,” and framed the Grand Prix as vital for tourism, local businesses and jobs. It conditioned any additional cash to upgrade facilities on MotoGP committing to keep the event at Phillip Island, a move that has effectively closed off an immediate relocation to Albert Park.

The decision came as the existing contract between Dorna and the state is due to expire at the end of 2026. Dorna had argued Phillip Island did not meet current World Championship infrastructure standards, and reports in late 2025 showed the promoter was keen to relocate. Attendance weakened in 2025, with the Australian round among five grands prix that had weekend crowds under 100,000, and supporters launched a petition in late 2025 to keep the race at Phillip Island. The government’s backing included references to a proposed cash injection — the pledged amount and whether it was accepted were not confirmed in reports — and Phillip Island has hosted the Australian MotoGP 29 times.

Local politicians and officials welcomed the decision. Tourism, Sport and Major Events Minister Steve Dimopoulos called Phillip Island the “home of the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix,” Bass Coast Mayor Rochelle Halstead said she hoped any investment would be directed toward facility upgrades to meet standards, and Bass MP Jordan Crugnale said Labor would defend the Bass Coast’s interests. The announcement kept the current contract timeline intact while signaling Victoria’s willingness to upgrade and financially back the race so long as it remains at Phillip Island, even as other jurisdictions such as South Australia and the Bend motorsport complex have been reported as interested in hosting the event in the future.