STONER VOWS TO FIGHT FOR PHILLIP ISLAND’S MOTOGP RETURN

Phillip Island will stage its final Australian MotoGP Grand Prix in 2026 before the event moves to a new street circuit in Adelaide from 2027. The circuit is also set to leave the World Superbike calendar after its 2027 race. Although the track is difficult to reach and concerns have been raised about the risks of its layout, it remains a favourite among many riders.

Casey Stoner, who won six consecutive Australian Grands Prix from 2007 to 2012, is deeply disappointed by the decision to remove Phillip Island from the MotoGP calendar and says he will fight to bring it back. Speaking to former MotoGP rider Chris Vermeulen, he said he had never expected the venue to lose its place. Stoner accepts that the pits and surrounding facilities need an upgrade, and that the event could be refreshed, but argues that the circuit consistently delivers exceptional racing. Replacing it with a street track is a move he does not support.

For Stoner, the Grand Prix is about more than the racing. He described Phillip Island as “a beautiful part of the world” and “the world’s greatest motorcycle track,” praising the fans who travel huge distances across Australia to attend. He recalled that the journey from Queensland can take more than 20 hours by road, and said he loves the commitment of those who gather there for the event.

Stoner also raised safety concerns about the Adelaide proposal. He stressed that motorcycle racers lack the protection of a car’s cockpit, and that a locked brake or an unexpected oil spill can have severe consequences. In wet conditions, he warned, a fallen rider may slide without much to slow them down. He said safety must not be overlooked for the sake of spectacle.

The two-time world champion, second only to Valentino Rossi in premier-class wins at Phillip Island, also believes modern MotoGP riders do not experience the circuit as it was intended. Today’s electronics and aerodynamic devices, he argues, reduce the challenge of riding there. Even in his own era there had been “a bit too much electronics,” but current aero pushes the bike down while electronic systems intervene.

“They’ve got all these electronics and everything that basically doesn’t let them really experience Phillip Island for what it is,” Stoner said. He called that “certainly disappointing,” adding that he would like today’s riders to get more out of the venue. Still, he believes they enjoy it compared with many newer tracks, and also singled out Mugello and the return of Brno as circuits riders appreciate.

Stoner’s own memories include his 2011 title-winning home victory, which came on his birthday and amid changing weather. “It was sunny, windy, got cool, started raining… It was pretty unforgettable,” he said. His 2012 win was a fitting farewell after an ankle injury had disrupted his championship campaign. He said the crowd was something he would never forget, recalling that it took three hours to leave the island the following day.

The final Phillip Island MotoGP is scheduled for October 23-25, 2026. Adelaide is due to host its first race on November 12-14, 2027.