Casey Stoner Fights MotoGP's Move from Phillip Island to Adelaide

Casey Stoner has voiced strong opposition to MotoGP's planned shift of the Australian Grand Prix from Phillip Island to a new Adelaide street circuit. In a recent YouTube interview with former rider Chris Vermeulen, Stoner expressed his deep disappointment and vowed to fight the calendar change.

Stoner's reaction was one of profound dismay. "Disappointment, massively. I honestly never thought that Phillip Island would be taken off the calendar," he said. The two-time world champion stated he is actively campaigning to reverse the decision, which sees the iconic coastal circuit lose its Grand Prix status after this season.

Phillip Island's Legacy and Appeal

Stoner emphasized Phillip Island's unique status in motorcycle racing. He called it 'the world's greatest motorcycle track' and stated it consistently produces some of the greatest racing fans will ever see. His personal history there is legendary, having won his home Grand Prix for six consecutive years from 2007 to 2012.

He recounted the extraordinary effort fans make to attend, with some riding over twenty hours from Queensland. The 2012 victory, a farewell win after an ankle injury, held particular significance for him. The crowd reaction that day and the three-hour traffic delay leaving the island the next day are memories he says he will never forget. While acknowledging the circuit's facilities need a revamp, Stoner believes its fundamental appeal to riders remains, alongside other classic tracks like Mugello and Brno.

Concerns About the Adelaide Replacement

The champion's opposition is rooted in concerns over safety and suitability. MotoGP plans to move to a yet-to-be-built street circuit in Adelaide's parklands, a project that could involve felling around 400 trees. Stoner is skeptical of replacing a purpose-built track with a street circuit, despite MotoGP's assurances that run-off areas will not be compromised.

He highlighted the inherent risks for motorcycle racers compared to car drivers. Riders lack a protective cockpit, making incidents involving locked brakes, oil spills, or wet conditions far more dangerous. "We're pretty forward-spoken about the safety of sport and things that get overlooked for a spectacle." Stoner stated. He worries that the pursuit of a new spectacle is overlooking these fundamental safety considerations.

The Immediate Timeline

The schedule for the transition shows the immediate loss. The final MotoGP event at Phillip Island is locked in for October 23-25 this year. Adelaide is not scheduled to host its first race until November 12-14, 2027. This creates a multi-year gap without a Australian round on the MotoGP calendar.

Stoner also suggested that modern developments like advanced electronics and aerodynamics have already diminished how current riders experience Phillip Island's challenges. His campaign aims to preserve the track's future before it is lost entirely. The final Phillip Island MotoGP is scheduled for October 23-25.