MotoGP and World Superbike confirmed to race at the scintillating 4.445km island circuit for another decade plus.
The contract extensions for both championships were announced by the Victorian Minister for Tourism and Major Events, the Hon. John Eren MP today, assuring fans MotoGP will race at the track until 2026 and the FIM Superbike World Championship for production bikes (WorldSBK) will return each year until 2027.
The host agreement was reached between the State Government of Victoria, the Australian Grand Prix Corporation, the Victorian Major Events Company (VMEC), the international promoter of both championships – the Spanish group DORNA, and the Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit.
“Our thanks go to the Victorian government and DORNA for their commitment to our circuit and the Phillip Island community,” said Andrew Fox, managing director of the Linfox Property Group, owners of the Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit.
“We’re extremely lucky to secure a ten-year extension and it reflects how special the island has become in world motorcycling. There’s a real passion for this place from riders, teams and fans the world over.
Fergus Cameron, managing director of the Circuit, said the venue can now move confidently forward:
“To secure a ten-year deal for our two major properties, MotoGP and WorldSBK, is so important for the circuit and for our ongoing investment in facilities.”
Fergus Cameron has been at the circuit helm since 1984.
“For our community, the track is a cornerstone of the Phillip Island economy, and its activities have a flow-on effect to many of the businesses and families on the island. I am relieved for our local region that the future of both events is well and truly secure.”
Integral to the local economy, the Bass Coast Shire’s economic benefit study (2011), showed of $130 million generated by shire events, the Phillip Island circuit motorsport activities generated more than 80 percent of revenue, an estimated $107 million.
On 2011 figures, the MotoGP was responsible for a $34.5 million stimulus, and WorldSBK provided a $21 million injection to the regional economy.
Booked for nearly 300 days a year with racing and testing for motorcycles and cars, the circuit employs 40 people fulltime and more than 100 casuals, and feeds work to many local businesses.
“I have been at the circuit for 32 years, and one of my proudest achievements is our relationship with the community and how we’ve worked to ensure our precious, pristine island, our people and wildlife, and our economy can co-exist and thrive together,” Cameron said.
This year, the island has already hosted MotoGP and WorldSBK. In February, MotoGP tested for three days, followed by ten days of WorldSBK with testing and a spectacular season-opening round. The Australian round of MotoGP is confirmed for October 21-23.
Australia’s MotoGP and WorldSBK rounds are broadcast to six continents, with both telecasts promoting the island as a tourist hot spot and the circuit as a “bucket-list” attraction for motorsport fans around the globe.
Photos courtesy Russell Colvin
