Adelaide instead of Phillip Island: Why Pol Espargaro welcomes the change

The planned move of the Australian Grand Prix from Phillip Island to Adelaide presents a stark contrast. Instead of the historic and spectacularly situated Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, MotoGP is set to take place on a street circuit in the South Australian metropolis in future. KTM test rider Pol Espargaro is very much in favour of this concept.

The Spaniard has already taken a look at the first animations of the new circuit . His initial impression is positive, although for him there is one prerequisite that takes precedence. “Yes, it looks okay. As long as safety is guaranteed,” Espargaro noted.

Racing in urban areas is more appealing to fans

For the long-serving MotoGP rider, however, Adelaide’s main advantage lies not so much in the track layout as in its surroundings. “I prefer to race in places where there’s a big city right next to the track, or at least nearby,” explained the 35-year-old.

It is precisely this point that sets Adelaide apart from Phillip Island. Although the island south of Melbourne offers MotoGP one of the most spectacular circuits on the calendar, its comparatively remote location also has its drawbacks for visitors. Accommodation and leisure options are more limited than at a Grand Prix held in a major city.

Der Kurs in Adelaide ist 4,13 Kilometer lang und weist 15 Kurven auf

Foto: Adelaide Grand Prix

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“That helps people find hotels and do things,” said Espargaro, highlighting the advantages of an event close to a city. In his view, spectators’ expectations when attending a sporting event have changed.

Fans want events and entertainment: racing alone is no longer enough

“In recent years, we’ve seen that in motor racing – and in sport in general – it’s no longer just about the sport for spectators,” noted the KTM test rider. A modern Grand Prix must therefore offer visitors more than just the action on the track.

“People also want to do other things – such as go shopping, eat out or go to concerts,” Espargaro listed. “It’s about a 360-degree event, and something like that is possible when you’re near a major city like Adelaide.”

The planned Australian GP thus follows a trend that is becoming increasingly important in MotoGP: a race weekend should not only offer motor racing, but function as a comprehensive event and create as many opportunities as possible away from the track.

Espargaro is therefore already looking forward to the new home of the Australian MotoGP: “I’m really looking forward to it.”