MotoGP loss: the reaction

Reaction to the loss of the MotoGP was far and wide, with local businesses describing it as "devastating" and retired Australian MotoGP world champion Casey Stoner asking why organisers would take "one of the greatest motorcycle circuits in the entire world" off the calendar.

Casey Stoner
Two-time MotoGP World Champion

MotoGP to take Phillip Island off the calendar. One of the greatest motorcycle circuits in the entire world, that has produced some of the greatest and most entertaining races we have witnessed, and continues to do so year after year, is being pushed to the side in place of a race in Adelaide and supposedly a street circuit.
Why would MotoGP take possibly their best circuit off the calendar ... I'll let everyone decide.

Andrew Fox
Linfox Group, owner of the Phillip Island Circuit

I'm devastated for all the MotoGP fans, not to mention the community of Phillip Island.
Words cannot describe the loss we have incurred. There are many people who are accountable for this loss but I truly believe Travis Auld (Australian Grand Prix Corporation CEO) tried his best to retain the event however Dorna were very fixed on a street event.

Cr Tim O'Brien
Former motorsport writer

The Phillip Island Circuit is marooned in another time.
It is five, possibly 10 years, since I heard as a motoring journalist the future of the event at Phillip Island was not certain. That is when I heard of the grumblings of team owners about the inadequacy of the facilities.
While the riders loved the track and the casual atmosphere of Phillip Island, we have relied too heavily on that welcoming charm and, to a degree, been blinded by it. Harder heads in this multi-billion-dollar global sport were looking for more.

An ancient toilet block at each end of the long pit garages is faintly laughable for a modern event of this type and well short of the expectations of team owners and managers.
Talk of international riders "pissing into a bottle" just doesn't cut it; nor do those facilities provide the kind of premium experience expected by users of the corporate facilities above the pit garages.
I spent time talking to a logistics manager for the Ducati Team five or six years ago. The team then arrived into Melbourne Airport in a jumbo jet, filled with the computer management technologies, spares and all of the accoutrements that a modern factory team carries in this era of split-second margins and the battle for track supremacy.

Little wonder they found the small 'garages' - sheds really - so inadequate for a modern team. While the event managers here have done their best, portable toilet blocks, food vans offering little in the way of variation (expensive, and certainly no gourmet experiences), and, often as not, soggy paddocks and camping facilities here have fallen way behind what MotoGP events in Europe and Asia offer spectators.
The task now is to ensure that the circuit holds onto other international events, such as the World Superbikes.

Cr Ronnie Bauer
Island Ward

There is a silver lining to this catastrophe. At present, Phillip Island is substandard for modern motor sport. We need to look at a long-term plan to rescue the MotoGP back to the island.
If the State Government, of whatever persuasion after November, budgets over the next six years to redevelop the facilities on Phillip Island to world class standard, we can then confidently tender for the MotoGP to return after the SA contract runs out in eight years.
Remember, Phillip Island lost the race in 1993 to Eastern Creek, NSW for six years before coming home. If this redevelopment plan is put in place from next year, the end result will again return the MotoGP to its rightful place and again be the global iconic event that everyone wants to attend and watch.

Jack Miller
Current Australian professional motorcycle racer

To get to Phillip Island, it's an undertaking for the average punter. Times are getting tougher and tougher.
To go to Melbourne, rent a car, rent a house, it's upwards of $6000-$7000.
It makes it hard for a young family to get out and take their kids to watch a motorcycle race. You speak to people and it's cheaper to go to Malaysia. To have the access like they're going to get here in Adelaide is phenomenal.

Simonne Liberman
Phillip Island Business Network member and accommodation owner, Genesta House

The loss of the MotoGP creates both a financial and social hole in the Phillip Island community that will take years, if ever to replace.
As a very small business, employing only two people, it will leave our business with about a seven per cent financial loss per annum.
Although this may seem easy enough to bridge on paper, it's actually going to drive up prices for the remainder of the year.
No other event will fill this gap over a 10-day period.

Alan Brown
Former Victorian Liberal Party leader and a minister when the MotoGP came to Phillip Island 30 years ago

I predict that some businesses will close on Phillip Island next year as a result of the loss of the MotoGP. I have absolutely no doubt that the loss to our community will be far in excess of $80 million annually and possibly closer to $100 million and it is not only Phillip Island which will suffer.

Jo Viney
Brinney T Designs

The last couple of years it has been last minute preparation and for something that was the highlight of the year, what we presented to the international public was certainly lacking.
Losing the GP is a huge blow to our local economy and our community. Maybe we sit back and look at what we can do better.

Grenache Wine Bar

The news of losing our iconic MotoGP from Phillip Island is devastating. The loss will be felt far and wide and it will be devastating for the island.
This event is not just a world-class sporting spectacle, it is woven into the history and identity of our island.
Beyond its cultural significance, the financial impact cannot be overstated. MotoGP is the single biggest event of the year for many local businesses. The timing and cumulative impact are deeply concerning. An uncertain economy, extended streetscape disruptions, the loss of our largest annual event and significant commercial changes (including a proposal by McDonald's) mean many local businesses are facing setback after setback.
Phillip Island is on the cusp of major change. Now more than ever it is vital to support the local businesses.

Jordan Crugnale
Member for Bass

Phillip Island is home to and synonymous with the MotoGP. We are devastated the owners of the race wanted to move it from our stunning region and spectacular coastline to a street-based city race.

It brings so much to Bass Coast and the wider region and injects $60 million into the local economy, supports small businesses, jobs, tourism and draws visitors from near and far.

We wanted it on the island, we put forward a very convincing proposal, offered additional funding to make it bigger and better and disappointment is an understatement.

Can I take this opportunity to thank the community and the local council for its Save the MotoGP campaign.

We still have it this year, and I will be inviting the Minister to come down and meet with council, tourism bodies, relevant organisations and agencies to discuss what future options and opportunities we can all work towards for alternate major events that will benefit my local area and wider region.

Jess Wilson
Liberal Party leader

The loss of this event is emblematic of Victoria's decline under Labor and a huge blow to the local businesses of Phillip Island. With at least $15 billion lost to corruption, is it any wonder why we can't afford to keep major events in Victoria?

David Southwick
Shadow Minister for Major Events

This was one of the largest major events in regional Victoria. It is devastating for the local community and devastating for MotoGP fans."

Cr Rochelle Halstead
Bass Coast Shire Council Mayor

This event has been part of our region's identity for decades and has delivered significant economic, tourism and community benefits to Bass Coast and the broader Gippsland region.
It has supported local businesses, created jobs and brought energy and vibrancy to our towns year after year. We are now seeking a meeting with the Premier and Minister Dimopoulos to discuss how the government can support our local businesses and tourism operators beyond 2026.

Mary Aldred
Member for Monash

This is the reality of living in Jacinta Allan's Victoria, where investment is fleeing the state. Labor's track record of ignoring major events in our regions and presiding over a statewide flight of investment has now claimed our MotoGP.

Kim Storey
Destination Phillip Island

(It) is a significant community and economic setback for our tourism-dependent region.
Its loss will materially impact accommodation, hospitality, retail and local employment, as well as reduce international exposure for Victoria. This week's World Superbikes contract expires in 2027. Whilst not confirmed, losing this event would further worsen the situation.
DPI is communicating with Government on how to "replace" the economic loss of the MotoGP.

Travis Auld
CEO of Australian Grand Prix Corporation:

The Australian Grand Prix Corporation is proud to have delivered one of the world's most iconic MotoGP events at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit over many years. Throughout that time, Phillip Island has been celebrated by riders, teams and fans as one of the fastest, most challenging and most spectacular circuits on the MotoGP calendar. The decision not to extend the contract in Victoria is disappointing for us all.

Kimberley Brown
Australian Grand Prix Corporation board member, general manager North Pier, vice president of the Phillip Island Business Network.

"It's a real blow to the community. The AGPC have put out a statement and the Minister made his announcement explaining the outcome.
As a member of the community - and a manager of a business in Cowes - it's a sad outcome. The State Government backed our community. They didn't want it to be moved from Phillip Island and unfortunately it wasn't the outcome we wanted."

Melina Bath
Nationals MP

First, we had the Commonwealth Games debacle, now we have the loss of the highly successful Phillip Island MotoGP, regional Victorians deserve so much better. Labor's offer was clearly inadequate and a case of too little, too late. It should never have come down to a last-minute bidding crisis - the MotoGP should have been secured many months ago.

Damien Codognotto OAM
The Motorcycle Riders Association Australia

Victoria lost the MotoGP because the new owners see the problems caused by a lack of support from the Victorian Government and a lack of investment in roads and facilities.
From the paying spectator's point of view, the roads to and from the island are in dangerous condition, accommodation is scarce, facilities are poor and prices are way too high. Riders say they get better value going to Asian MotoGPs where governments appreciate the sport and make fans feel welcome.

Jess Patman
President - Phillip Island Business Network

The relocation of MotoGP from Phillip Island is a huge loss for our business community. While it's disappointing, our focus is firmly on the future. We are working with government and key stakeholders to ensure promised support and funding are delivered. We hope to strengthen our existing events calendar and attract some exciting new opportunities. Phillip Island continues to be home to the iconic Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit and offers outstanding experiences beyond motorsport. We are confident in the region's ability to thrive and encourage visitors to keep Phillip Island in their travel plans.