The Bend targets MotoGP

After losing its beloved F1 race three decades ago, South Australia may be thinking about poaching a Grand Prix back across the border.

From 1985-1995, Adelaide became alive by hosting the Formula 1 finale until Melbourne took the race to Albert Park, where it has found a happy home and broken crowd records on an annual basis.

With the Supercars 500km enduro locked in for three years, the owners of Shell V-Power Motorsport Park are now turning their attention to MotoGP.

Phillip Island has proudly welcomed MotoGP each year since 1997 for the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix, where riders have fallen in love with the fast-flowing seaside circuit.

Despite Eastern Creek hosting the race during the Mick Doohan years from 1991-1996, Phillip Island has become the undisputed home of the race.

But South Australia could poach a Grand Prix from Victoria with the owners at The Bend keen to entice MotoGP to their new state-of-the-art facility.

Dorna Sports has a contract with the Australian Grand Prix Corporation and Victorian Government that expires at the end of 2026.

Shell V-Power Motorsport Park has been running since 2018, but has recently got a facelift with some upgrades made with hosting MotoGP-calibre events in mind.

Major infrastructure upgrades, including the installation of Formula 1-style starting lights, Smart Marshalling technology and new curbing have all arrived at the circuit ahead of this weekend’s AirTouch 500 at The Bend.

Jack Miller in front of his home fans at Phillip Island last year. Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

The Bend’s own press release announcing these changes made these intentions clear, stating, “together, these upgrades reinforce The Bend’s reputation as a venue capable of hosting global championships of MotoGP calibre in the years ahead.”

Shell V-Power Motorsport Park Founder Sam Shahin reiterated the venue’s MotoGP aspirations.

“Our ambition has always been to create a circuit capable of attracting the world’s greatest motorsport events,” he said. 

“This three-year deal, combined with the roll-out of F1-standard technology, demonstrates that The Bend has the credibility and capability to host championships of MotoGP calibre and beyond.”

Supercars and Carrera Cup are coming back to The Bend. Image: Supplied

While The Bend has a strong intent to get the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix, Dorna believes it has a happy home at Phillip Island.

“Our agreement for the Australian Grand Prix is with the Australian Grand Prix Corporation (AGPC) and the current contract runs till 2026 included,” Dorna Sports Chief Sporting Officer (CSO) Carlos Ezpeleta told Sentinel Times.

“But there already is a conversation and interest from both the State of Victoria and Dorna to extend the agreement.

“Linfox own the Phillip Island circuit, which is hired by AGPC for MotoGP and we also know Linfox because they organise the WorldSBK event at Phillip Island, but we have no direct agreement with Linfox for MotoGP.

Jorge Martin leads the 2024 Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix. Photo by Gold and Goose / LAT Images

“The State of Victoria and Phillip Island, have been the home for MotoGP in Australia since 1989, and continuously since 1997, we firmly believe this is the place for us to be.

“Furthermore, Phillip Island is currently the only MotoGP homologated track in the continent and upgrades are been made year after year to improve the event.”

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