Valentino Rossi reacts as iconic Phillip Island removed from MotoGP calendar
Photo: Red Bull Content Pool
07:30, 19 Feb
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Andrew McLarneyMotoGP Reporter
Andrew McLarney is a MotoGP reporter for GPBlog. With four years experience as a professional writer across the sports and video game industries, his experience as a K1 Premier League competitor evolved into a fascination with all forms of combat sport and eventually motorsport — with MotoGP becoming his primary focus. On top of that he is also an avid follower of MXGP and AMA Supercross as well as F1 and GT racing.
Following the news that MotoGP could be set to depart the legendary Philip Island circuit in Victoria, Australia, Valentino Rossi has given his thoughts on what he believes will be a 'a great shame' for the sport.
The iconic circuit, which is a favourite among both fans and riders alike for its high-speed layout, overtaking opporunities and stunning backdrop, is set to expire its licence to host the MotoGP Australian Grand Prix at the end of 2026.
Ideas were briefly flirted to host the track at Albert Park, where F1's Australian round currently takes place, but safety concerns make it an impossibility to host motorbike races.
It would be a great shame if they stopped with Phillip Island. It's a track you never forget.- Valentino Rossi
Despite the best efforts of the Victoria state government, it seems that the race will be held in Adelaide from 2027 with The Bend Motorsport Park as the most likely candidate.
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Photo: Red Bull Content Pool
Seven-time winner of the Australian Grand Prix, Valentino Rossi, weighed in on the Philip Island fiasco in an interview at the Bathurst 12 Hours:
"It's a piece of MotoGP history. It would be a great shame if they stopped with Phillip Island. It's a track you never forget."
Rossi, who has competed in GT racing for several years since his retirement from MotoGP, finished third at the prestigious endurance race with BMW Team WRT alongside Augusto Farfas and Raffaele Marciello.
While it is certainly a great shame for a legendary circuit like Philip Island to be replaced on the calendar, Australian fans can take some comfort in the fact that their nation is still guarunteed to host MotoGP races in the future.
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