Feb 17 • 01:30 UTC 🇦🇺 Australia ABC News AU

Cash on offer to convince organisers to keep MotoGP on Phillip Island

The Victorian government is offering additional funding in hopes of convincing Dorna Sports to keep the Australian MotoGP at Phillip Island.

The Victorian government has announced a financial incentive to ensure that the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix, commonly known as MotoGP, remains hosted at Phillip Island amid uncertainties over its future. The current contract with event organizer Dorna Sports is set to expire this year, raising concerns among local tourism stakeholders who heavily rely on the influx of visitors that the event brings annually. The MotoGP event has been a significant fixture at the Phillip Island track since the 1990s, drawing thousands of motorsport enthusiasts to the area and boosting the local economy, particularly in the Gippsland region.

While the Victorian government has stepped in with a bid to retain the event, specific details regarding the amount of funding offered have not been disclosed. This has raised questions about the likelihood of Dorna Sports accepting the proposal as they weigh their options for the event's future. Tourism, Sport and Major Events Minister Steve Dimopoulos expressed confidence in the state's commitment to securing the Grand Prix, highlighting its importance in promoting tourism and showcasing regional Victoria's potential.

The outcome of this negotiation could have substantial implications not only for motor racing fans but also for local businesses that thrive during the MotoGP event, which serves as a major attraction each October. The future of the Australian MotoGP will depend on the response from Dorna Sports to the government's financial offer, and stakeholders are watching developments closely, given the historic significance of the race at Phillip Island and its role in the region's tourism strategy.

📡 Similar Coverage