South Australia rejects $100 million Adelaide overhaul

Adelaide’s arrival on the MotoGP calendar in 2027, replacing Phillip Island, will mark the championship’s first‑ever street‑circuit Grand Prix. The shift has already sparked debate over rider safety, given the track’s origins as the former Formula 1 venue designed by Bob Barnard. Speaking to ABC, Barnard outlined the extensive upgrades he believes are required to meet MotoGP standards. His estimate, however, totals $100 million, a figure immediately rejected by South Australia’s premier Peter Malinauskas and SA Motorsport Board president Mark Warren.

Warren called the projection speculative, stressing that the project remains in its design phase and will rely heavily on existing road infrastructure. He added that the likely layout will mirror the Supercars circuit, with temporary adjustments between events to preserve the tight, dynamic feel of touring‑car racing. Environmental concerns also remain unresolved, with longer MotoGP run‑offs potentially affecting trees. Specialists are now assessing solutions to minimise ecological impact.