Shortly before the start of the season, the new MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group announced the abandonment of the Phillip Island circuit in favor of a brand-new street circuit in Adelaide for 2027. This inevitably sparked reactions from fans who love the current track. The idea of a MotoGP race there seems quite incredible at the moment, but the relevant authorities are normally working to provide safe conditions for the riders. Carlos Ezpeleta has more to say.
Carlos Ezpeleta, the sporting director of the world championship, spoke at length about the subject. « This is not surprising; the debates concerning Phillip Island have been going on for several years.As a MotoGP fan, I know the track is spectacular, but organizing a race there is always a major challenge. In fact, we often encounter difficulties in organizing an event. Whether it's the weather conditions, the presence of animals, or tire wear, we regularly hold impromptu meetings with the riders to discuss the very feasibility of the race. We fully respect all opinions, including those of the fans, but this is the reality." we read on speedweek.
He assures that the events will take place in safe conditions. « We then conducted studies on the historic Formula 1 circuit located in the heart of Adelaide, a very ambitious project indeed.From the outset, we were in collaboration with the FIMBecause safety obviously remains our top priority. There is no room for compromise. This was only after simulating more than 30 different circuit configurations. that we concluded that a MotoGP race in Adelaide could meet current standards » he added.
Currently, tradition dictates that the Valencia Grand Prix is the last of the year, but this could change under Liberty Media's ownership. « This is a major challenge, and we are creating an exception for the first time – unlike Formula 1, where street circuits have always been part of the calendar. But our main objective is to make MotoGP accessible to as many people as possible. We're talking about a region of ten million inhabitants. It's possible we could organize the season finale there at the end of November. The Valencia race is confirmed, But even then, we have no contractual obligation to host it as the final. » he concluded.
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Photo: Michelin Motorsport
