Mick Doohan promotes Adelaide: “The atmosphere will be incredible!”

The move of the Australian Grand Prix from Phillip Island to Adelaide has provoked mixed reactions in MotoGP. Whilst riders such as Casey Stoner regret the loss of the fast, traditional circuit and questions remain about the new track, Mick Doohan has expressed a decidedly positive view. The five-time world champion expects the event, from 2027 onwards, to generate attention far beyond the race itself.

His focus is primarily on the overall experience. Doohan sees the proximity of the circuit, hotels and nightlife as a major advantage over the Australian Grand Prix, which until now has involved a more labourious journey for visitors.

“I think Adelaide will be a fantastic event. Viewed as a complete package: racing is racing, no matter where our sport goes. But when everything takes place in the city, people can fly in, hop into a taxi or an Uber and head straight to their hotel or the circuit,” explained Doohan during the weekend at Phillip Island.

Why Doohan is a fan of Adelaide

For MotoGP, he sees this as an opportunity to reach people who have never attended a Grand Prix before. “When everything’s in the city, the atmosphere will be incredible. I believe this will allow us to introduce our sport to lots of new people and new fans. I’m really looking forward to coming to Adelaide,” emphasised the Australian, who recently received his medal for the MotoGP Hall of Fame.

Doohan also bases this confidence on his own experiences. For him, Adelaide has already proven its ability not only to organise major events, but also to embed them in the fabric of city life. “The city hosts events. Every event I’ve attended in Adelaide has been spectacular. The people are very hospitable, and the whole city gets involved – regardless of the sporting event in question,” explained the MotoGP legend.

Topic of the week

Soon-to-be world champion Kimi Antonelli: The inevitable will then follow in Mexico

The 20-year-old Italian Kimi Antonelli had the chance to secure the 2026 World Championship title at the US Grand Prix. He did everything right: victory in Texas. The title celebrations have nevertheless been postponed. Until Mexico.

Mathias Brunner

Read More

TV Program

Live

Sepang: International Livestream

MotoGP World Championship

30.10.2026 - 01:55

2027 zieht die MotoGP nach Adelaide um

Foto: motogp.com

In doing so, Doohan is emphasising a different aspect to those riders who primarily highlight the sporting qualities of Phillip Island. The flowing circuit, with its fast corners, is one of the championship’s most iconic tracks. Whether Adelaide can offer a similarly compelling riding experience is a question that the enthusiasm for the venue alone cannot answer.

MotoGP brings ‘more life’ to the city than Formula 1

Doohan’s comments are therefore, above all, a vote of confidence in the concept of a MotoGP weekend right in the heart of the city. For him, this could develop into a major event that attracts attention even beyond the existing fan base.

“It’ll be brilliant for the city – another major event. The only thing comparable to it is a Formula 1 event. Except we’re on two wheels and bring even more life to the city. I think it’ll be a fantastic show,” explained Doohan.

Mick Doohan erhielt auf Phillip Island seine Hall-of-Fame-Medaille

Foto: MotoGP

Whilst Phillip Island is loved above all for its unique circuit and seaside setting, Adelaide is banking on short distances and a race that forms part of city life. Doohan sees this as an opportunity for the future of the Australian Grand Prix – even if the new circuit has yet to prove its sporting quality.