The decision to move the Australian MotoGP from Phillip Island to Adelaide is under scrutiny, with Casey Stoner questioning it and arguing that Phillip Island remains a premier, historic circuit.

Victoria confirms it will lose hosting rights, making this year’s October event the final one at Phillip Island, while South Australia is expected to announce hosting from next year.

Any Albert Park option would require track modifications and potential tree removal to create larger run-off areas, which has raised resistance to moving the race there.

The Adelaide plan envisions racing on an urban street circuit, with early events possibly staged at The Bend Motorsport Park in Tailem Bend until a fully developed street circuit is ready.

Phillip Island’s departure is tempered by economic impact concerns, as the island still drew about 93,000 spectators and generated over $54 million in economic benefits last year, despite a 10-year hosting deal struck in 2016 that didn’t unlock expected investments.

The Adelaide shift mirrors a historic pattern, recalling Adelaide’s F1 era from 1985 to 1995 before the race moved to Melbourne, suggesting the event may relocate between states again.

MotoGP organizers had pushed for Albert Park in Melbourne to broaden mainstream appeal, but Victoria rejected the move to preserve Phillip Island.