MotoGP’s Australian Grand Prix at Phillip Island has been cancelled for the second year in succession as the country continues to enforce some of the world’s strictest anti-COVID border controls.
There has been frantic work behind the scenes in recent weeks to try to find a way to make the race happen, especially with Australian rider Jack Miller winning races in the premier class and compatriot Remy Gardner – who already has a 2022 Tech3 MotoGP deal – on track to take the Moto2 title if he can maintain his current dominant form.
“We are very sad to announce that we won’t be able to race at the stunning Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit in 2021,” said MotoGP boss Carmelo Ezpeleta in a statement confirming the news.
“One of our truly emblematic venues that always delivers incredible racing, it’s a favourite for fans worldwide and everyone in the paddock.
“Unfortunately, we will have to wait another year to return to Victoria, but we very much look forward to seeing the Australian fans in 2022 and staging another fantastic event together – this time with two home heroes, Jack Miller and Remy Gardner, on the premier class grid when we return.”
The calendar will be maintained at the current number of races with a second visit to the Autodromo do Algarve now planned for November 7.
The Portuguese venue already hosted a race at the start of the 2021 season that was won by Fabio Quartararo, and the series will return there ahead of the traditional season finale at Valencia.
It’ll come as welcome news for Portuguese rider Miguel Oliveira, who will now get a second chance at winning his home race this year.
Dominant there in 2020 but struggling in April as KTM suffered with problems that have now been seemingly resolved by a new chassis, Olivera has been on a podium streak since then and will no doubt be eager to stand on the top step of his home rostrum again.
There’s also been some minor reworking of the calendar earlier in the year to accommodate the absence of Phillip Island, with the Malaysian Grand Prix being moved forward a week to October 24, aiding logistics and meaning it’s now directly after the Thai Grand Prix.
