Carmelo Ezpeleta: “Phillip Island is part of MotoGP’s identity”

The MotoGP farewell to Phillip Island ended without the hoped-for final race. Poor visibility hampered the rescue helicopter’s operations and forced the organisers to call off the race. In a personal message, MotoGP CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta subsequently paid tribute to the track’s significance – and combined his thanks with a look ahead to the new venue, Adelaide.

“There are very few sporting venues in the world that become part of a championship’s identity. Phillip Island is one of them,” explained Ezpeleta. The combination of the fast, flowing circuit, passionate fans and the backdrop of Bass Strait had created moments that will forever be part of the sport’s history.

Since hosting its first World Motorcycle Championship race in 1989, Phillip Island has challenged generations of riders. The final Grand Prix was set to add another special moment to this history. Instead, on Sunday, the riders were left with nothing more than a joint farewell lap behind the safety car.

Carmelo Ezpeleta

Foto: motogp.com

“Safety must always come first. But that doesn’t make this outcome any less disappointing. For the spectators – we had expected a record crowd – and the fans who travelled here for this farewell, this is not the ending any of us would have wished for,” emphasised the MotoGP boss. “Perhaps this very disappointment also shows just how much Phillip Island has meant to MotoGP.”

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Phillip Island was a particular challenge for the riders

Ezpeleta recalled the iconic images of battles against the backdrop of the sea. “Phillip Island has challenged the world’s greatest riders and rewarded courage, skill and determination like few other circuits,” he noted.

Phillip Island aus der Vogelperspektive

Foto: Gold & Goose

He also expressed his gratitude to the Australian Grand Prix Corporation and everyone involved who had built up and organised the weekend over the decades. Their commitment, professionalism and passion had created an event that riders, teams and fans alike cherished.

Ezpeleta, however, singled out the crowd in particular. “Throughout the ages, Australian fans have brought a unique passion and energy to MotoGP. Whether they’ve travelled from Victoria, other states or from overseas, they’ve created an atmosphere that is unrivalled in motorcycling,” he explained.

Gardner, Doohan, Stoner and Miller thrilled the fans

The Spaniard also paid tribute to the contribution made by Australian riders to the championship. From Wayne Gardner and Mick Doohan through to Casey Stoner and Jack Miller, they have shaped the sport and thrilled fans worldwide. With Senna Agius set to make his MotoGP debut in 2027, this tradition is set to continue.

2012 auf Phillip Island: Casey Stoner auf dem Weg zum Sieg

Foto: Gold & Goose

Despite his emotional farewell remarks, Ezpeleta explicitly looked to the future. The move to Adelaide is intended to make MotoGP accessible to a wider audience. The weekend had highlighted both the enthusiasm for the sport in Australia and the challenges of staging a major event at a unique venue.

“An event in the city centre, in close proximity to accommodation, restaurants, entertainment and key transport links, gives us the opportunity to bring MotoGP closer to more people than ever before,” argued Ezpeleta.

Adelaide is set to take MotoGP in Australia to the next level

In future, the experience is set to extend beyond the racetrack into the city. He believes this will benefit both long-standing fans and new spectators alike. “Our aim is not simply to move MotoGP to a different location. We want to build on everything that has made motorbike racing so successful in Australia and take it to the next level,” explained the CEO.

Adelaide is thus set to become a destination that attracts international attention and secures the long-term future of MotoGP in Australia. However, Ezpeleta sees the foundation for this in the history of the previous venue.

Premiere: Im Herbst 2027 fährt die MotoGP auf den Straßen von Adelaide

Foto: Adelaide Grand Prix

“None of this would be possible without the foundation laid at Phillip Island,” he emphasised. “Even though today is not the ending we had hoped for, we simply say thank you: to Phillip Island, to the Australian Grand Prix Corporation, to the generations of Australian riders and to every fan who has made this event so special.”

Ezpeleta concluded his message with an invitation to the next chapter: “We look forward to seeing you in Adelaide in 2027.”