P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Phillip Island’s days on the MotoGP calendar look numbered. But what could replace it – and does F1’s Melbourne venue have a shot?
The Australian Grand Prix at Phillip Island showcased exciting racing at a beloved track, but speculation looms over its future, with doubts about securing a new contract due to lack of investment and limited accessibility. Despite a 10-year deal in 2016 aiming for facility improvements, little progress has been made, making it one of the most outdated circuits on the MotoGP calendar. A stalemate between circuit owners and the Victoria state government adds to the uncertainty, exacerbated by the track’s isolated location and high cost for spectators. The addition of the Indonesian Grand Prix has further diverted Australian audiences, prompting discussions about relocating the Australian GP to the Albert Park street circuit in Melbourne. Despite efforts and investments to accommodate both F1 and MotoGP at Albert Park, the likelihood of MotoGP leaving Phillip Island seems increasingly inevitable.
