OFFICIAL: MotoGP confirms Adelaide Street Circuit move in six-year deal
The Australian Grand Prix is going urban, with MotoGP set to race around a purpose-built Adelaide Street Circuit from 2027.
The Australian Grand Prix will move to the MotoGP Adelaide Street Circuit from 2027, marking the first time in the modern era that the championship will stage a race in a city-centre location.
The six-year agreement, confirmed by MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group alongside the South Australian Government and the City of Adelaide, will see the event run through to 2032 inclusive. Adelaide’s gain of the MotoGP is Phillip Island’s loss, with the iconic coastal track ending its reign as the Australian host for the championship this year.
The new layout was unveiled on 19 February by MotoGP Chief Sporting Officer Carlos Ezpeleta and South Australia Premier Peter Malinauskas, confirming a 4.195km, 18-corner blast through the city. Speeds of more than 210mph are expected, and the track draws inspiration from the original Adelaide Street Circuit that hosted Formula 1 between 1985 and 1995 - the same layout that saw Michael Schumacher famously crash into Damon Hill, causing the latter to lose out on his first F1 driver’s title.
Quite how MotoGP will mix those claims regarding top speeds, racing excitement and, most importantly, safety, remains to be seen. The official press release from MotoGP states that the venue will maintain ‘the uncompromised safety standards required in the modern era of the sport’. To make that happen, a lot of work would have to be done to create run-off areas suitable for bike racing, and possibly adapt the layout to reduce the bikes’ speed in certain areas.
Speaking about MotoGP's first street race of the modern era, MotoGP Chief Sporting Officer, Carlos Ezpeleta, said:
“Bringing MotoGP to Adelaide marks a major milestone in the evolution of our championship. This city has a world‑class reputation for hosting major sporting events, and the opportunity to design a purpose‑built circuit in the city streets is something truly unique in our sport.
“From the very beginning, together with the FIM, we made sure that safety remained uncompromised - every element of the Adelaide Street Circuit has been engineered to meet the highest standards of modern MotoGP, ensuring riders can race at full intensity with complete confidence.
“Adelaide’s commitment to major events makes it the perfect home for MotoGP’s next chapter in Australia. We’re incredibly excited to showcase a new style of racing here and to create a true celebration of our sport that brings fans even closer to the action.
“This partnership represents bold ambition from both MotoGP and Australia - and we couldn’t be prouder to begin this journey together.”
The inaugural Adelaide GP will take place across three days in November 2027.
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Simon (AKA Toad) has been working within the motorcycle industry for more than twelve years, and a member of the motorcyclist family since birth. Growing up around British-built single and twins, it was inevitable that a life on two wheels was on the cards, from a very early age!
