Iconic Phillip Island circuit at risk of demolition amid Adelaide MotoGP switch

Bob Barnard, the circuit designer behind Phillip Island and the former Adelaide Grand Prix track, has issued a strongly worded letter opposing MotoGP's planned move to a new Adelaide street circuit in 2027. He warns the switch could trigger Phillip Island's demolition for a golf course while damaging Adelaide's Parklands heritage, leaving Australia to trade two iconic venues for one unproven replacement.

Why it matters:

Phillip Island has hosted premier motorcycle racing since 1989 and is regularly hailed by riders as one of the finest circuits on the calendar, while the original Adelaide layout remains among the most iconic street tracks in F1 history. Barnard argues that Liberty Media and South Australian officials are prioritizing commercial returns over sporting legacy, risking the permanent loss of venues that define Australia's motorsport identity. The row also raises fresh questions about how Liberty Media balances its expanding racing portfolio against circuit heritage.

The details:

• A dual threat: Barnard claims losing both MotoGP and World Superbike could prompt Phillip Island owner Lindsay Fox to redevelop the site into a golf course, even as Fox pursues a new circuit at Avalon in Victoria.
• Heritage clash: Adelaide residents oppose destroying Parklands trees and public space for the street circuit, pitting environmental concerns against sporting ambition.
• Historic precedent: Barnard notes Phillip Island predates Bathurst, having hosted Australia's first Grand Prix in 1923, and argues the new layout cannot replace what would be lost.
• Calls for transparency: He demands organizers release the full circuit design, environmental footprint, and financial case before any irreversible decisions are finalized.

What's next:

With MotoGP committed to Adelaide for 2027, Barnard's letter intensifies pressure on organizers to justify the switch. The fate of Phillip Island now hinges on whether Lindsay Fox proceeds with redevelopment or if sustained opposition preserves the circuit. Either outcome will determine whether Australia safeguards its motorsport heritage or trades it for speculative returns.