The Australian Grand Prix is a popular stop on the MotoGP calendar. Drivers always enjoy racing the demanding Phillip Island circuit. But, too often, this opportunity is wasted by changeable weather which is nevertheless faithful to the period when the paddock arrives. Recent accidents and infrastructure that is less and less up to the standard of the category call out to the promoter Dorna who is requesting both a change of date and perhaps also a change of location. A revolution that could arrive as early as 2021…
This is a question that has become more and more frequent and which the Australian organizer ignores. What about the future of Phillip Island on the other hand, and a Australian Grand Prix at the end of the season on the other hand? This first question seems simple to resolve in theory, but it is quite different in practice. Dorna would like to see the event happen at the start of the season. Which means in the wake of WSBK which opens its campaign there, but also, and above all, almost at the same time as the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne. However, the promoter, the Australian Grand Prix Corporation (AGPC) and its CEO Andrew Westacott want to separate the two events in time.
Until then, the Australians were sure of themselves and their position of strength. But since then, quite a few countries want to bring MotoGP while if their contract expires in 2026, the approval of the site is done annually, since the case law Silverstone of 2018. And on this level, Phillip Island with its cramped stands, its access paths which are no less cramped and its parking capacity which has not evolved could no longer pass under the caudine forks...
A danger all the greater since Dorna has her plan B to take a new turn. Which is good since the route in question bears the name of The Bend, located 100km southeast of Adelaide, at Tailem Bend. And it was apparently successfully tested by the Idemitsu Asian Talent Cup. A modern site with different possible configurations. Phillip Island in October may soon be a memory. In 2020, the meeting will take place from October 23 to 25…
