MotoGP will not travel to Australia this year. It had been in the air for a while and the authorities' policy to deal with a health crisis that was still raging left little room for doubt. But this time, it's official, the Grand Prix paddock will not be located on the Phillip Island site. However, a plan B, already widely thought out, is put in place. It nevertheless remains subject to the imperative of a Malaysian Grand Prix which is also shaky for the same health reasons. But one thing at a time…
The FIM, IRTA and Dorna Sports regret to announce the cancellation of the Red Bull Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix. The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and resulting travel complications and logistical restrictions mean that it has not been possible to confirm the viability of the event to date. It will therefore not appear on the 2021 calendar. The FIM World Championship MotoGP is nevertheless eager to return to racing in front of Australian fans at the spectacular Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit in 2022.
Australia's cancellation puts Portugal back on the calendar
That being confirmed, here is plan B: the Moto Grand Prix of Malaysia 2021 has been brought forward and will take place a week earlier than planned, from October 22 to 24, the weekend immediately following the Grand Prix OR of Thailand reprogrammed.
Additionally, the FIM, IRTA and Dorna Sports are delighted to confirm the addition of the Grande Premio do Algarve to the 2021 FIM MotoGP World Championship calendar. MotoGP will return to Portimão from November 5 to 7, the week before the Gran Premio Motul de la Comunitat Valenciana. The Autodromo do Algarve will therefore host MotoGP for a second Grand Prix this season.
