The design for the new MotoGP street circuit in Adelaide has elicited a variety of responses from motorsport enthusiasts and riders alike.
While some praise the enhanced safety features, there are concerns that the racing experience may be less thrilling. Others express disappointment over the elimination of traditional track components.
The inaugural MotoGP event in Adelaide is set for November 2027, with expectations of drawing over 180,000 attendees.
The new $96 million circuit spans 4.13 kilometers and has stirred debate among fans and riders, with some worried about the potential for a “dull” race and others mourning the changes made to the existing Supercars track.
Despite these concerns, the track has received general approval regarding rider safety, and there are hopes that the unique city backdrop will offer a memorable experience for spectators.
Additionally, the Adelaide City Council seems to be easing its apprehensions about the circuit after the Malinauskas government proposed financial support for various infrastructure enhancements in the eastern parklands as part of the MotoGP initiative.
Announced by the state government, the 4.13-kilometer layout will host both the MotoGP and the Supercars Grand Final starting in November 2027.
This new track design incorporates aspects of Adelaide’s former Formula One street circuit, such as the straight along Rundle Road and a corner adjacent to the historically significant Stag Hotel.
Moreover, it reinstates a right turn onto Dequetteville Terrace, known as “Brewery Bend,” leading into a 900-meter straight that was part of the old Formula One layout.
However, the redesign has also removed some beloved features of the Supercars circuit, notably the challenging high-speed turn eight from Bartels Road onto Dequetteville Terrace.
The “staircase” section, which consists of a series of 90-degree right and left turns connecting Wakefield Road and Hutt Street, has been eliminated, and the Senna Chicane will be modified.
Stefan Bartholomaeus, managing editor of the motorsport news platform Speedcafe, remarked that while it is still an Adelaide Street Circuit, it diverges from what fans have cherished.
Bartholomaeus noted that the feedback from motorsport aficionados has been “mixed, to say the least.”
“The removal of the Senna Chicane feels particularly significant, given its historical connection to Formula One and its importance in the Supercars events,” he commented in Speedcafe.
He added that for those with nostalgia, the return of the East End and the visual of races occurring against the backdrop of the market facade and Stag Hotel is a positive aspect.
In terms of racing dynamics, the newly designed Adelaide circuit will take the place of Victoria’s Phillip Island on the MotoGP calendar next year.
The SA Motorsport Board anticipates that the inaugural event in Adelaide will attract at least double the 91,000 spectators who typically attend Phillip Island.
However, some MotoGP fans are finding it difficult to accept this change, as Phillip Island is celebrated for its exciting racing every year, according to freelance journalist Simon Patterson.
“Adelaide will likely yield a much more subdued performance compared to Phillip Island,” he stated.
Following the Aragon Grand Prix in Spain, Patterson consulted several MotoGP riders about their impressions of the new track.
Two-time MotoGP champion Francesco Bagnaia mentioned that while the Adelaide track is challenging to visualize from video footage, it appears promising.
“The layout seems decent, but it is certainly not comparable to Phillip Island and feels considerably less exciting,” he remarked.
Italian rider Luca Marini noted the significant focus on ensuring safety compliance, including adequate runoff areas and new asphalt.
“A substantial investment is being made in this project, and I sense MotoGP’s commitment to its success,” he expressed. “From our perspective, we simply hope it becomes another enjoyable track that meets our safety requirements.”
Patterson indicated that the initial reactions from MotoGP fans have been “better than anticipated,” as many safety concerns have been addressed. However, this initial relief has quickly shifted to worries that the circuit may not facilitate thrilling racing.
He observed considerable discontent among Supercars fans, who feel they are losing a superior circuit in Adelaide, merely to accommodate MotoGP.
According to Patterson, “They have managed to alienate two passionate fan bases while attempting to attract new supporters.”
Veteran MotoGP journalist Mat Oxley remarked that the Adelaide circuit appears to be more fluid than he initially expected.
Government estimates suggest that MotoGP riders could reach speeds of up to 343 km/h, while Supercars might achieve 265 km/h.
“There are a few straights, which are essential for riders to slipstream behind others and overtake into the next corner,” he noted. “The urban setting, surrounded by buildings and skyscrapers, will undoubtedly create a unique atmosphere, despite some environmental concerns.”
Lord Mayor Jane Lomax-Smith has been a vocal critic of the MotoGP circuit, previously stating it would cause an “irrevocable and permanent” alteration to the city’s parklands.
The design unveiled recently indicates that at least 377 trees will be removed, including 42 significant ones, with plans to replace them on a 10-to-1 basis.
The Malinauskas government has also committed to funding various infrastructure projects in the eastern parklands, including an upgraded soccer field near Victoria Park’s heritage grandstand, a 1.2-kilometer cycling loop, and a new 5-kilometer running loop.
