Australian motorcycle Grand Prix
 | |
| Grand Prix motorcycle racing | |
|---|---|
| Venue | Adelaide Street Circuit (planned for 2027) Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit (1989–1990, 1997–2019, 2022–2026) Eastern Creek Raceway (1991–1996) |
| First race | 1989 |
| Most wins (rider) | Valentino Rossi (8) |
| Most wins (manufacturer) | Honda (39) |
The Australian motorcycle Grand Prix is a motorcycling event that is part of the FIM Grand Prix motorcycle racing season. It has been held at a number of venues, most recently the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit near Melbourne, and from 2027 will be held in Adelaide.
History
Prior to 1997 the event was held at a number of different venues in Australia, most notably Eastern Creek in Sydney and Mount Panorama in Bathurst, New South Wales. From 1997 until the October 2026 race, it has been run at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit south-east of Melbourne.
The race was cancelled in 2020 and 2021, both due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[1][2]
Current
The Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit is contracted to host the event until 2026.[3] After the Victorian Government rejected Dorna Sports' proposal to run MotoGP in Albert Park instead of on Phillip Island, South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas announced that Adelaide would be hosting the event from 2027 onwards. It is plan to build the track based on the original Adelaide Grand Prix Street Circuit in the city centre and the eastern Park Lands.[4][5][6]
As of August 2026 there has been much criticism of using the Adelaide street circuit (which would need to be expanded and modified to accommodate the differing needs of a motorcycle race, including the felling of up to 200 trees) by residents,[7][8][9] councillors (including Adelaide Lord Mayor Jane Lomax-Smith), and others, who say that not enough consideration has been given to the environmental and social consequences of the decision, suggesting that the course could be moved to The Bend at Tailem Bend. Many are opposed to the removal of trees in the park lands which would be necessary for the street circuit.[4] A letter led by the South East City Residents Association and signed by ecologists, historians, conservationists, various academics as well as residents was sent to FIM president Jorge Viegas, urging him to undergo an independent environmental impact assessment of the planned circuit before further engagement with the South Australian Government.[10] Dorna Sports said on 8 August that the approved layout would be announced in coming weeks.[11]
Official names and sponsors
- 1989: Swan Premium Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix[12]
- 1990: Drink/Drive Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix[13]
- 1991: Tooheys Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix[14]
- 1992–1994: Foster's Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix[15]
- 1995–1997: Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix (no official sponsor)[16]
- 1998–2001: Qantas Australian Grand Prix[17]
- 2002–2003: SKYY vodka Australian Grand Prix[18]
- 2004: Cinzano Australian Grand Prix[19]
- 2005: Polini Australian Grand Prix[20]
- 2006–2007: GMC Australian Grand Prix[21]
- 2008: Australian Grand Prix (no official sponsor)[22]
- 2009–2011: Iveco Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix[23]
- 2012: AirAsia Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix[24]
- 2013–2014: Tissot Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix[25]
- 2015: Pramac Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix[26]
- 2016–2018: Michelin Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix[27]
- 2019: Pramac Generac Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix[28]
- 2022: Animoca Brands Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix[29]
- 2023: MotoGP Guru by Gryfyn Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix
- 2024: Qatar Airways Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix
- 2025: Liqui Moly Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix
Winners
Multiple winners (riders)
| # Wins | Rider | Wins | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Category | Years won | ||
| 8 |  Valentino Rossi |
MotoGP | 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2014 |
| 500cc | 2001 | ||
| 250cc | 1998, 1999 | ||
| 6 | .svg.png){kind=small} Casey Stoner |
MotoGP | 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 |
| 5 |  Marc Márquez |
MotoGP | 2015, 2017, 2019, 2024 |
| 125cc | 2010 | ||
| 3 | Loris Capirossi |
500cc | 1996 |
| 125cc | 1990, 1991 | ||
 Ralf Waldmann |
250cc | 1995, 1997 | |
| 125cc | 1992 | ||
| Mick Doohan |
500cc | 1992, 1995, 1998 | |
| Max Biaggi |
500cc | 2000 | |
| 250cc | 1994, 1996 | ||
| Marco Melandri |
MotoGP | 2006 | |
| 250cc | 2002 | ||
| 125cc | 1999 | ||
| Jorge Lorenzo |
MotoGP | 2013 | |
| 250cc | 2006, 2007 | ||
 Brad Binder |
Moto2 | 2018, 2019 | |
| Moto3 | 2016 | ||
| Álex Rins |
MotoGP | 2022 | |
| Moto2 | 2015 | ||
| Moto3 | 2013 | ||
| 2 | Wayne Gardner |
500cc | 1989, 1990 |
| Luca Cadalora |
250cc | 1991, 1992 | |
 John Kocinski |
500cc | 1994 | |
| 250cc | 1990 | ||
| Àlex Crivillé |
500cc | 1997 | |
| 125cc | 1989 | ||
 Masao Azuma |
125cc | 1998, 2000 | |
| Marco Simoncelli |
250cc | 2008, 2009 | |
 Alex de Angelis |
Moto2 | 2010, 2011 | |
| Sandro Cortese |
Moto3 | 2012 | |
| 125cc | 2011 | ||
| Pol Espargaró |
Moto2 | 2012, 2013 | |
.svg.png){kind=small} Thomas Lüthi |
Moto2 | 2016 | |
| 125cc | 2005 | ||
.svg.png){kind=small} Miguel Oliveira |
Moto2 | 2017 | |
| Moto3 | 2015 | ||
| Maverick Viñales |
MotoGP | 2018 | |
| Moto2 | 2014 | ||
Multiple winners (manufacturers)
| # Wins | Manufacturer | Wins | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Category | Years won | ||
| 39 | Honda |
MotoGP | 2002, 2003, 2006, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019 |
| 500cc | 1989, 1990, 1992, 1995, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001 | ||
| 250cc | 1989, 1991, 1992, 1995, 1997, 2001, 2003, 2005 | ||
| Moto3 | 2017, 2019 | ||
| 125cc | 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1995, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2003, 2004, 2005 | ||
| 14 | Aprilia |
MotoGP | 2025 |
| 250cc | 1994, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2007 | ||
| 125cc | 1996, 1994, 2006, 2009, 2011 | ||
| 11 | Yamaha |
MotoGP | 2004, 2005, 2013, 2014, 2018 |
| 500cc | 1991, 1996, 2000 | ||
| 250cc | 1990, 1993, 2000 | ||
 KTM |
Moto2 | 2017, 2018, 2019 | |
| Moto3 | 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2023, 2025 | ||
| 7 | Kalex |
Moto2 | 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2023, 2025 |
| 6 | Ducati |
MotoGP | 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2023, 2024 |
| 4 | Derbi |
125cc | 2001, 2007, 2008, 2010 |
| 3 | Gilera |
250cc | 2008, 2009 |
| 125cc | 2002 | ||
| 2 | Motobi |
Moto2 | 2010, 2011 |
| Suzuki |
MotoGP | 2022 | |
| 500cc | 1993 | ||
| Boscoscuro |
Moto2 | 2022, 2024 | |
By year
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.svg.png){kind=small}
| Year | Track | Rider | Bike |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | Bathurst | Mick Doohan | Yamaha FZR750 |
| 1987 | Winton | Kevin Magee | Yamaha FZR750 |
| 1986 | Bathurst | Malcolm Campbell[30] | Honda NR750 |
| 1983 | Andrew Johnson | Honda RS500 | |
| 1978 | Hideo Kanaya[31] | Yamaha 750 | |
| 1976 | Sandown | Warren Willing | Yamaha 750 |
| 1968 | Bathurst | Ron Toombs[32] | Henderson Matchless G50 |
| 1967 | Ron Toombs[32] | Henderson Matchless G50 | |
| 1966 | Ron Toombs[32] | Henderson Matchless G50 | |
| 1957 | Bandiana | Jack Forrest | BMW |
| 1952 | Bathurst | Harry Hinton[33] | |
| 1946 | Ron Kessing[34] | Velocette 495 | |
| 1940 | Bat Byrnes[34] | Norton | |
| 1937 | Vale | Stuart Williams[34] | Velocette 495 |
| 1933 | George Hannaford[35] | Rudge | |
| 1924 | Goulburn | Dave Brewster | Indian Chief |
| 1915 | Yetholme | James Mellor[36] | Matchless |
| 1914 | Edgar Meller[37] | 2 3/4 TT Douglas |
Riots at Bathurst
The Bathurst motorcycle race riots, or Easter Motorcycle riots were a series of disturbances between 1980 and 1985 involving motorsport spectators and the New South Wales Police Force Tactical Response Group during the Australian motorcycle Grand Prix.
Following the 1985 race meeting, the Bathurst Regional Council placed a total ban on spectators taking their own alcohol into events at the Mount Panorama Circuit. This ban has subsequently been revoked. The council also put a limit on the number of drinks spectators could purchase per day from the outlets at the track. This also had a flow on effect for the circuits other annual event, the Bathurst 1000 touring car race held on the October long weekend, though traditionally the Bathurst 1000 crowd was much better behaved.
See also
References
- ↑ "2020 British and Australian Grands Prix cancelled". MotoGP.com. Dorna Sports. 29 May 2020. Retrieved 29 May 2020.
- ↑ "Australian Formula One Grand Prix and MotoGP cancelled for 2021". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 6 July 2021. Retrieved 6 July 2021.
- ↑ "Phillip Island secures MotoGP and WorldSBK contract for another decade". amcn.com.au. 11 April 2016. Retrieved 3 September 2022.
- 1 2 Simmons, David (14 August 2026). "Long-term SA Labor minister joins calls for MotoGP move". InDaily. Retrieved 15 August 2026.
- ↑ "MotoGP to roar into the city streets of Adelaide from 2027". motogp.com. 19 February 2026.
- ↑ Adelaide to hots first ever MotoGP street race Auto Action 19 February 2026
- ↑ Dowdell, Rory (10 June 2026). "New report shows park lands tree felling toll for MotoGP far higher". InDaily. Retrieved 15 August 2026.
- ↑ Holder, Sophie (10 March 2026). "Will MotoGP in the Adelaide parklands reignite the land grab debate this election?". ABC News. Retrieved 15 August 2026.
- ↑ Chapman, Simon (14 July 2026). "Anti-MotoGP song supporting Adelaide protest released". Speedcafe.com. Retrieved 15 August 2026.
- ↑ Simmons, David (12 August 2026). "Leaked letter reveals high-level plea to global motorcycle boss over park lands". InDaily. Retrieved 15 August 2026.
- ↑ "What's wrong with Adelaide's MotoGP". Australian Motorcycle News. 14 August 2026. Retrieved 15 August 2026.
- ↑ "1989 500cc Class (FIM Grand Prix World Championship) Programmes | The Motor Racing Programme Covers Project". www.progcovers.com.
- ↑ "1990 500cc Class (FIM Grand Prix World Championship) Programmes | The Motor Racing Programme Covers Project". www.progcovers.com.
- ↑ "1991 500cc Class (FIM Grand Prix World Championship) Programmes | The Motor Racing Programme Covers Project". www.progcovers.com.
- ↑ "1992 500cc Class (FIM Grand Prix World Championship) Programmes | The Motor Racing Programme Covers Project". www.progcovers.com.
- ↑ "1995 500cc Class (FIM Grand Prix World Championship) Programmes | The Motor Racing Programme Covers Project". www.progcovers.com.
- ↑ "1998 500cc Class (FIM Grand Prix World Championship) Programmes | The Motor Racing Programme Covers Project". www.progcovers.com.
- ↑ "2002 MotoGP Class (FIM Grand Prix World Championship) Programmes | The Motor Racing Programme Covers Project". www.progcovers.com.
- ↑ "2004 MotoGP Class (FIM Grand Prix World Championship) Programmes | The Motor Racing Programme Covers Project". www.progcovers.com.
- ↑ "2005 MotoGP Class (FIM Grand Prix World Championship) Programmes | The Motor Racing Programme Covers Project". www.progcovers.com.
- ↑ "2006 MotoGP Class (FIM Grand Prix World Championship) Programmes | The Motor Racing Programme Covers Project". www.progcovers.com.
- ↑ "2008 MotoGP Class (FIM Grand Prix World Championship) Programmes | The Motor Racing Programme Covers Project". www.progcovers.com.
- ↑ "2009 MotoGP Class (FIM Grand Prix World Championship) Programmes | The Motor Racing Programme Covers Project". www.progcovers.com.
- ↑ "2012 MotoGP Class (FIM Grand Prix World Championship) Programmes | The Motor Racing Programme Covers Project". www.progcovers.com.
- ↑ "2013 MotoGP Class (FIM Grand Prix World Championship) Programmes | The Motor Racing Programme Covers Project". www.progcovers.com.
- ↑ "2015 MotoGP Class (FIM Grand Prix World Championship) Programmes | The Motor Racing Programme Covers Project". www.progcovers.com.
- ↑ "2016 MotoGP Class (FIM Grand Prix World Championship) Programmes | The Motor Racing Programme Covers Project". www.progcovers.com.
- ↑ "2019 MotoGP Class (FIM Grand Prix World Championship) Programmes | The Motor Racing Programme Covers Project". www.progcovers.com.
- ↑ "2022 MotoGP Class (FIM Grand Prix World Championship) Programmes | The Motor Racing Programme Covers Project". www.progcovers.com.
- ↑ "Malcolm Campbell". Speedcafe. Where Are They Now?. 18 November 2011. Retrieved 12 March 2013.
- ↑ Hailwood Humbled. Motorcycle News, 5 April 1978, p.3. Accessed 21 January 2022
- 1 2 3 "1965 Henderson Matchless Mk1". Motorcycling Australia. Motorcycling Australia Museum. Archived from the original on 23 October 2013. Retrieved 12 March 2013.
- ↑ "Laurie Boulter's 1936 Ariel Red Hunter". Motorcycling Australia. Motorcycling Australia Museum. Archived from the original on 23 October 2013. Retrieved 12 March 2013.
- 1 2 3 "1936 495cc ex-works Velocette". Motorcycling Australia. Motorcycling Australia Museum. Archived from the original on 23 October 2013. Retrieved 12 March 2013.
- ↑ "The Vale Circuit – Pre-Panorama Bathurst". Australian Motorcycle News. 9 November 2018.
- ↑ http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article117550258 J. Mellor's Grand Prix Won Through Snow at Yetholme Saturday Referee and the Arrow, Trove Website Retrieved 2015-07-13))
- ↑ Motor Cycling Grand Prix Race Won by E. Meller Sydney Morning Herald 6 October 1914 page 10