Rain washes out Phillip Island’s final MotoGP race

Severe weather denied a sold-out Phillip Island crowd its final Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix on Sunday, with rain and poor visibility forcing the cancellation of the farewell race before the event moves to Adelaide in 2027.

A reported 37,286 spectators braved the conditions at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, waiting through repeated delays in the hope racing could proceed.

However, visibility prevented the medical helicopter from operating safely, leaving organisers unable to run the MotoGP race. The Moto2 and Moto3 races were also cancelled, with the premier-class decision confirmed shortly after 3:30pm.

The weather also forced the cancellation of the planned Legends Lap featuring Australian world champions Mick Doohan, Wayne Gardner and Casey Stoner.

Instead, the MotoGP riders completed two parade laps behind the safety car before gathering on the main straight to acknowledge supporters who had remained through the rain.

The Australian Grand Prix Corporation confirmed full refunds for Sunday ticket holders and partial refunds for multi-day ticket holders, with arrangements being coordinated through its ticketing partners.

“While this is not the way anyone wanted MotoGP’s time at Phillip Island to conclude, it does not diminish the incredible legacy of this event,” the corporation said.

Despite Sunday’s conditions, the farewell weekend attracted substantial crowds.

An estimated 32,695 spectators attended on Friday and 45,858 on Saturday. Sunday’s reported attendance of 37,286, while well down on the anticipated sell-out figure, brought the three-day total to 115,839 spectators.

That compares with an estimated 91,245 across the 2025 event, including 38,645 on race day. Weekend totals count daily admissions, with spectators attending multiple days counted on each visit. The record single-day attendance was 92,000 for the inaugural race at the circuit in 1989.

Sunday tickets had sold out before the event, underlining the interest in seeing MotoGP race at the island one final time.

The farewell also involved a substantial temporary event setup, with seven grandstands, hospitality areas and spectator facilities supporting the anticipated crowds. These structures complemented the permanent circuit infrastructure, turning the venue into a major event precinct for its final MotoGP weekend.

Phillip Island first hosted the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix in 1989, when Wayne Gardner won the inaugural race. After six years at Eastern Creek, the event returned in 1997, beginning the long association that ended this weekend.

The 4.445-kilometre circuit’s sweeping corners, elevation changes and Bass Strait setting have helped establish its international reputation as one of the best tracks in the world. For Australian fans, its history includes Casey Stoner’s six consecutive premier-class victories from 2007 to 2012.

The loss extends beyond the circuit itself, with the annual gathering bringing visiting riders and spectators into Phillip Island’s accommodation, hospitality venues and businesses.

There is, however, a significant addition to the venue’s calendar next year.

Supercars will return to Phillip Island in 2027 under a five-year agreement running through to 2031, ending an absence dating back to 2019.

The circuit will host a round of the championship’s Finals series, giving it a role in deciding the title. Supercars and the Australian Grand Prix Corporation will work together to deliver the event under the agreement supported by the Victorian Government.

Phillip Island has previously staged endurance races, season openers and championship finales, with its return restoring another major national event to the venue.

Meanwhile, the Australian MotoGP is heading to Adelaide under a six-year agreement covering 2027 to 2032.

The current proposed street circuit measures 4.13 kilometres with 15 corners, incorporating sections of the former Formula One layout. The first event is planned for November 2027, on a separate weekend ahead of Adelaide’s Supercars Grand Final.

The redevelopment has attracted opposition over its effects on the heritage-listed Park Lands, including tree removal, public access and disruption to surrounding residents and businesses.

The City of Adelaide has endorsed proposed conditions addressing environmental and heritage protection, construction impacts, reinstatement and responsibility for costs.

For Phillip Island, the farewell offered no final Grand Prix contest, only a last opportunity for riders and supporters to acknowledge a shared history. The turnout across the weekend demonstrated the affection that remains for one of Australia’s great motorsport venues.