Casey Stoner Challenges MotoGP: Phillip Island Must Return to the Calendar
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- Casey Stoner menyatakan akan berjuang agar Sirkuit Phillip Island tetap menjadi tuan rumah MotoGP Australia, meski Adelaide dijadwalkan menggantikan pada 2027.
- Legenda MotoGP Australia itu menilai sirkuit legendaris tersebut hanya butuh renovasi, bukan digantikan oleh sirkuit jalan raya.
- Desakan Stoner menambah tekanan publik menjelang balapan terakhir di Phillip Island dua pekan mendatang, sementara pembalap lain juga memperjuangkan sirkuit negara mereka.
Former Australian MotoGP star Casey Stoner has declared his determination to fight for Phillip Island Circuit to remain on the MotoGP calendar. The statement comes amid plans to move the Australian Grand Prix to Adelaide starting in 2027, which is projected to be the last race at Phillip Island for an indefinite period.
Phillip Island has been the spiritual home of the Australian MotoGP since 1989, except when disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic and the six editions held at Eastern Creek in the 1990s. However, this year's race, which will take place in two weeks, is said to be the last at the legendary circuit. MotoGP has included the Adelaide street circuit in its 2027 calendar, and many believe the Phillip Island era will come to an end.
Stoner, who won six consecutive races at Phillip Island from 2007 to 2012, refuses to accept the decision just like that. In a promotional video on YouTube with former MotoGP rider Chris Vermeulen, the two-time world champion expressed his disappointment. "For me, Phillip Island dropping off the calendar is very disappointing, and I will fight to bring it back," he said.
Stoner acknowledged that the old-school circuit located outside Melbourne needs a number of updates, particularly in the pit area and supporting facilities. However, he argued that renovation is not a reason to leave it behind for a street circuit in the capital of South Australia. "I understand there are some things that need to change at Phillip Island. The pits and the surrounding area need refreshing. We also need to make the event a little different, add a new touch. But year after year, this circuit produces the best racing you will ever see. Removing it from the calendar is very surprising to me. And replacing it with a street circuit is not something I agree with," he stressed.
Stoner's statement highlights the tension between tradition and commercialization in the running of MotoGP. The Adelaide street circuit offers different economic and logistical potential, but at the cost of Phillip Island's unique character, known for challenging riders with fast corners and coastal scenery. Stoner's push is also not a lone voice; recently, rider Toprak Razgatlioglu expressed his wish for Turkey to return to the MotoGP calendar. This phenomenon shows that riders are increasingly vocal in influencing the direction of circuits, although the final decision remains in the hands of Dorna Sports as the operator.
For MotoGP fans in Indonesia, this issue reflects how legendary circuits can be pushed aside by commercial interests. Indonesia itself once had the Sentul Circuit, which hosted the 500cc GP in 1996 and 1997, but it has yet to return to the MotoGP calendar. The loss of Phillip Island could reduce the diversity of circuit characters and remove one of the most iconic races, which has often decided the world championship. It also affects local tourism and the fan community in Victoria that has long supported the event.
With the final race at Phillip Island only days away, the big question is whether Stoner's efforts and public support can change MotoGP's decision. If not, will other legendary circuits meet the same fate? MotoGP needs to weigh historical value and sporting merit amid pressure to innovate and expand its market.
