MotoGP provides virtual look of new Adelaide track

The controversial Adelaide MotoGP circuit has been shown off for the first time ahead of its debut in 2027.

The new circuit is set to replace Phillip Island as the home of the Australian Grand Prix, which is one of the most liked venues by riders and fans.

However, attendance numbers at Phillip Island have not been as strong as MotoGP would have liked in recent years. Moving to Adelaide has brought with it a lot of controversy, not least because the circuit is located in the city, meaning fears over how much run-off there would be if a rider crashed, is considered a concern.

But MotoGP has moved ahead with its plans to stage the Australian Grand Prix in Adelaide from 2027 onwards, and we now have the first digital render of the track.

MotoGP’s move to Adelaide has not been without opposition after 43,000 people signed a petition opposing the race due to environmental concerns. 

The petition was signed by locals due to the expected felling of around 200 trees in the Adelaide parklands, in order to make space for the circuit.

Interestingly, the circuit will be located on the same streets that once hosted Formula 1, and it will be a 4.13km (2.56-mile), 15-corner circuit that reimagines Adelaide's iconic F1 track.

Moving to Adelaide, and more specifically a venue in the heart of a city, is part of MotoGP’s wider plans to bring more interest to the sport.

This approach from Liberty Media is similar to what we’ve seen the American mass media company do with F1, however, it also means that some of the most iconic circuits could eventually lose their place on the calendar. 

Speaking after MotoGP revealed the new virtual render for the first time, Carlos Ezpeleta, Deputy CEO of MotoGP Group, said: 

"We have spent many months working closely with the FIM and our colleagues in Adelaide to design a MotoGP circuit that is both exciting and, most importantly, safe. We are incredibly proud of what has been achieved and confident it will deliver a totally new and exciting experience for our riders, teams and fans."

"From day one, we've worked closely with local stakeholders to ensure the circuit delivers positive outcomes for the community and the environment, as well as world-class racing. We understand a project of this scale will create some disruption, but our goal is for the people of Adelaide to feel proud to host MotoGP and genuinely connected to the event.”

The move from Phillip Island to Adelaide is one of two new events that are planned by MotoGP in 2027. MotoGP is also expected to make a return to Argentina, with the Autódromo Oscar y Juan Gálvez, in Buenos Aires.

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