It was confirmed today that neither the Formula 1 nor the MotoGP Australian GP will take place this season as both events have been canceled.
This is thanks to Australia’s strict policy of closed borders amid the global health crisis.
MotoGP has now confirmed two changes in the wake of the cancellation of the Phillip Island round.
The first is that the Malaysian GP will be on the old Australian GP date, May 22-24. October, which means a week after the Thai Grand Prix.
Portimao, meanwhile, has been drafted for the second time this season, with the track hosting the Algarve GP from November 5-7. The season then ends at the Valencia GP from November 12th to 14th.
According to Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports, Phillip Island is expected to get back on schedule for the 2022 season.
“We are very sad to announce that we will not be able to compete at the stunning Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit in 2021,” he said.
“One of our truly iconic venues that always delivers incredible races is a favorite with fans around the world and everyone in the paddock.
“Unfortunately we have to wait a year before we return to Victoria, but we’re really looking forward to seeing the Australian fans in 2022 and putting on another fantastic event together – this time with the two home heroes Jack Miller and Remy Gardner the top class grille when we return. “
Marc Marquez, Repsol Honda Team
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
MotoGP already visited Portimao this season in April when the track hosted the first European round after the one-two in Qatar and Yamaha’s Fabio Quartararo took the win ahead of Ducati’s Francesco Bagnaia.
The Algarve circuit made its debut on the MotoGP calendar last year and hosted the 2020 final as part of the reshuffled schedule due to revisions forced by the COVID-19 pandemic. This race, which took place at the end of November last year, was won by Miguel Oliveira for Tech3 KTM.