The final MotoGP race on Phillip Island was cancelled on Sunday due to rain and poor visibility, after fans waited through delays all day. The event had been held on the Victorian island since 1989. Fans travelled from across the country for the farewell, and local businesses were busy after a quiet winter. Rosa Scarlato, the race's number one ticketholder, said the loss would be felt by the whole island. Riders and fans still shared one last roar before the circuit's final weekend ended.
Persistent rain at Phillip Island forced organisers to cancel Sunday's MotoGP race, ending the circuit's 30-year run as host of the Australian round. Race director Graham Webber said the medical helicopter needed clear weather at both the circuit and Melbourne, because the hospital is more than 45 minutes away by road. Organisers announced the cancellation of the Moto2 and Moto3 races as well. Riders completed a farewell parade lap behind the safety car, stopping on the main straight to greet fans. Jack Miller, who had hoped for a podium finish in his final event there, did not get one.
The final MotoGP race at Phillip Island was cancelled on Sunday because heavy rain and poor visibility made it impossible to run. It was to be the last race at the island circuit, which will move to Adelaide in 2027 after three decades on the Bass Coast. Earlier, the Moto2, Moto3 and Australian Superbikes races were also cancelled. Organisers said limited visibility led to the decision, which was announced at 3:30pm after fans had waited in the rain for hours. The official morning warm-up and trackside entertainment, including a legends lap, were also cancelled.
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Fans at Phillip Island enjoyed Saturday's MotoGP racing and a closing performance by Jimmy Barnes, despite overcast skies, occasional showers and cool conditions. The day's action on the track, in the air and on stage left a lasting impression on those attending. Sunday's weather brought heavy rain, delays and disappointment, so the Saturday program stood out as the highlight of the event.
MotoGP organisers have delayed track action at Phillip Island until at least 1pm on Sunday, October 25. Reduced visibility is affecting the medical helicopter's ability to fly, and the warm-up session has been cancelled. Organisers say another update will be published at 12:30pm local time. The delay follows a record crowd of 45,000 on Saturday, when Marc Marquez won the sprint race and title rival Jorge Martin crashed out with a broken arm.
MotoGP organisers have delayed track action at Phillip Island until at least 1pm on Sunday, October 25. Reduced visibility is affecting the medical helicopter's ability to fly, and the warm-up session has been cancelled. Organisers say another update will be published at 12:30pm local time. The delay follows a record crowd of 45,000 on Saturday, when Marc Marquez won the sprint race and title rival Jorge Martin crashed out with a broken arm.
Rain arrived at Cowes on Friday night as crowds gathered for MotoGP at the Thompson Avenue Mall, which had been closed to cars since Thursday. Earlier, the temperature was still 30 degrees, and visitors enjoyed drinks, food and live music. Local singer Imogen Price was performing when clouds gathered over the bay and showers and lightning sent people scattering before the Laing Brothers were due on stage. Within minutes the temperature fell 13 degrees, and the cooler weather became the new normal for the weekend.
Wildlife campaigners want kangaroo leather banned from motorcycle racing and will press their case at Phillip Island's final MotoGP this weekend. Advocacy groups Kangaroos Alive and LAV will campaign trackside and in Cowes on Saturday, marking World Kangaroo Day. They want leading manufacturers, including Alpinestars and Dainese, to switch to animal-free materials by 2027. The campaigners say synthetic suits pass the same safety tests. Adelaide hosts the event from 2027.
The final Homecoming Ride for the 2026 Red Bull Australian MotoGP was held in San Remo on Thursday under fine weather. Schoolchildren from San Remo Primary School cheered riders including Alex Rins, Enea Bastianini and Maverick Vinales, who signed autographs and posed for photos. Riders also spoke about past race moments on stage. Fans from Adelaide and northern New South Wales were among those in the crowd. The race weekend at Phillip Island opens with Friday practice sessions and runs through Sunday's Australian Grand Prix, starting at 2pm.
Police have urged fans heading to the final Phillip Island MotoGP to ride safely and stay sober. Sergeant Peter Pearce expressed sympathy after a fatal collision on Monday night, in which a car driver died after crossing onto the wrong side of Back Beach Road in Ventnor and hitting a bus. Officers warned riders about speed, protective gear and wildlife such as geese and wallabies. Police said alcohol was overrepresented in motorcycle fatalities and that booze buses would be testing for drugs and alcohol.
Casey Stoner, Mick Doohan and Wayne Gardner will ride a Legends Lap together before the final Australian MotoGP at Phillip Island on Sunday, October 25. The race is the 30th and last Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix at the circuit, which moves to an Adelaide street circuit from 2027. American world champion Kevin Schwantz will also take part. Stoner said the Island would always hold a special place in his heart. Doohan's 1998 title-winning motorcycle will be on display in the Expo, and Jimmy Barnes headlines on Saturday night.
Residents in outer Adelaide suburbs hold mixed views on plans to remove nearly 400 trees in the parklands for a new MotoGP circuit. Some, including Lucy Cunningham and Dave, oppose the tree removal and want the money spent on planting instead. Others, such as Brendan Truman and Kathleen Hill, accept or support the project. The Adelaide Parklands Association is holding Stop the Chop protests in several suburbs. Premier Peter Malinauskas says the state government has partnered with the Australian Conservation Council and will replace trees on a 10-to-1 basis.
Supercars will return to Phillip Island from next year under a five-year deal announced by Victorian Major Events Minister Anthony Carbines. It will be the island's first Supercars event since 2019. The island's final MotoGP round is scheduled for October 23 to 25, after the event moved to South Australia. Local tourism body Destination Phillip Island says racing is worth $80 million to the local economy. Opposition spokesperson David Southwick says the Coalition would fund a Festival of Motoring there in March if it wins November's state election.
Mary Aldred, the Member for Monash, has called on the Victorian state government to send emergency road crews to fix local roads in Bass Coast and South Gippsland. She made the call with Liberal candidate for Bass Rochelle Halstead. Aldred said the roads are unsafe and that there have been a number of accidents, including a recent motorcyclist death caused by a pothole. The call comes ten days before the MotoGP returns to Phillip Island for the final time, with many motorcycle clubs expected to attend.
Phillip Island businesses and residents are preparing to host the final MotoGP at the island's cliff-side track later this month. The race moves to Adelaide from 2027, and many locals say the loss has hit them emotionally and financially. Destination Phillip Island says more than $80 million in annual economic activity is linked to the World Superbikes and MotoGP. Tourism leaders say the island must develop new events, and candidates for the Bass seat at the November state election stressed tourism's importance.
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A Queensland man, Joshua Hogan, is seeking a permanent injunction to halt the proposed MotoGP street circuit works in Adelaide's parklands, including any tree removal. Appearing unrepresented in the Federal Court, Mr Hogan said rider safety should be considered, arguing the track may not meet the required safety standard. The South Australian government said safety had been paramount in the design and that experts had been engaged. Its lawyer told the court the development had been referred to the federal environment minister, with early works expected to begin after a response.
Final preparations are underway for the last Phillip Island MotoGP, with the Cowes streetscape project nearing completion. The $9.6 million upgrade includes new plants, drainage, and decorative rocks. Local trader Rosa Scarlato expresses mixed emotions about the event's end but hopes for a successful final race. The event features three days of racing, live music, and scenic coastal views. The Bass Coast Shire Council reports most works are finished ahead of the October 23-25 event.
