Opening round and finale: Date set for the 2027 SBK World Championship at Phillip Island

In the face of international crises, governments and companies worldwide have had to painfully realise that dependencies lead to problems. For the Phillip Island Circuit, one such player is the sports agency Dorna. After contract negotiations over extensions with MotoGP and the Superbike World Championship ended in acrimony, the two most important international motorbike racing series are moving to other circuits.

MotoGP will make its final appearance at the iconic circuit in the state of Victoria from 23 to 25 October. In 2027, the Australian Grand Prix will take place on the street circuit in Adelaide. The production-based World Championship will host the season opener at Phillip Island from 19 to 21 February 2027 and will race at ‘The Bend’ from 2028 onwards.

The 2027 World Superbike round will be the 36th to be held at Phillip Island; no other circuit has hosted as many races – 76 in total. The loss is a heavy blow, not least economically.

“There is no better place in the world to open the Superbike World Championship than Phillip Island. Victoria is proud to host the event,” Tourism Minister Natalie Suleyman remains convinced. “Thousands of Superbike fans flocking to the island provide a huge boost for local small and family-run businesses across the region.”

However, Phillip Island’s international standing in motorsport is bound to decline following the Superbike event. No other world championship features the picturesque circuit on its calendar.