Poor visibility forces cancellation of Phillip Island MotoGP farewell
MotoGP said visibility restrictions affected the medical helicopter. The Australian Grand Prix is due to move to Adelaide from November 2027.
Organisers cancelled the Australian MotoGP race at Phillip Island because poor visibility affected medical helicopter operations, ending the circuit’s final scheduled event before the competition shifts to Adelaide.
The decision came shortly before 4pm local time, after officials delayed the start in the hope conditions would improve. Tickets for the event had sold out, but wet weather had already forced the cancellation of the Moto2 and Moto3 races and MotoGP practice.
Riders marked the farewell by following the safety car around the circuit for a final lap. Phillip Island first hosted the event in 1989, with subsequent interruptions including five years in Sydney and two years during the pandemic.
Adelaide is set to host the Australian Grand Prix from November 2027 for at least six years. The switch followed the Victorian government’s rejection of a proposal to relocate the competition to Melbourne’s Albert Park.
Two riders were already ruled out before the cancellation. Jorge Martin fractured his wrist in a crash during Saturday’s sprint race, while Raul Fernandez was absent because of a finger injury.
