There are very few venues in world sport that become part of a championship's identity. Phillip Island is one of them.
Since the first race here in 1987, the Island has delivered some of the most spectacular racing our fans have ever seen. The combination of a fast, flowing circuit, passionate supporters and one of the most stunning backdrops in motorsport has created unforgettable moments that will live forever in the history of MotoGP.
Today was meant to be another of those moments.
Instead, we leave Phillip Island having been forced to cancel the race due to the visibility issues. Safety must always come first, but that does not make the outcome any less disappointing. For the crowd – expected to be a record – and fans who travelled to enjoy this farewell to the Island, this is not how any of us wanted this chapter to end. Yet perhaps that disappointment also reflects just what Phillip Island has meant to MotoGP.
The image of riders battling wheel-to-wheel against the Bass Strait is one that generations of fans have come to love. Phillip Island has challenged the world's greatest riders and rewarded bravery, skill and determination like few circuits can.
As we close this chapter, I want to pay tribute to the Australian Grand Prix Corporation and everyone who has contributed over the many years to building this event into one of the most respected and admired stops on the calendar. Their commitment, professionalism and passion for our sport have created an event that riders, teams and fans have cherished for decades.
Most importantly, I want to thank the fans.
Through every era of racing, Australian fans have brought a unique passion and energy to MotoGP. Whether travelling across Victoria, interstate or around the world, they have helped create an atmosphere unlike any other in motorcycle racing. Their support has made Phillip Island one of the great events in world motorsport.
Australia has also given so much to MotoGP itself. From Wayne Gardner and Mick Doohan to Casey Stoner and Jack Miller, Australian riders have helped shape our championship and inspire generations of fans around the world. Soon, a new generation will continue that tradition with Senna Agius joining the MotoGP class in 2027.
While Phillip Island will always hold a special place in our hearts, sport must always look to the future.
Part of that future is ensuring MotoGP can be experienced by more people than ever before. This weekend has reminded us of both the passion that exists for MotoGP in Australia and the challenges that come with delivering a major international event at such a unique location.
That is why we are excited about the future in Adelaide.
A city-centre event, located close to accommodation, restaurants, entertainment and major transport connections, gives us the opportunity to bring MotoGP closer to more people than ever before and celebrate the best of the sport. It will extend beyond the racetrack into the heart of the city, levelling up the experience and facilities for our committed, long-term fans while introducing the sport to entirely new audiences.
Our ambition is not simply to move MotoGP to a new location. It is to build on everything that has made motorcycle racing in Australia such a success and take it to the next level.
We want more people to discover our sport, more fans to experience MotoGP first-hand and a destination event that captures international attention while securing a strong future for MotoGP in Australia for decades to come. None of that would be possible without the foundation built at Phillip Island.
The memories created here, the races that thrilled millions around the world, the dedication of our partners and the passion of Australian fans have brought us to this moment.
So today, even if it is not the ending we had hoped for, we simply say thank you.
Thank you to Phillip Island.
Thank you to the Australian Grand Prix Corporation.
Thank you to the generations of Australian riders who have helped define our sport.
And thank you to every fan who has made this event so special.
The next chapter begins now, built on everything that came before it.
We look forward to seeing you in Adelaide in 2027.