2021 Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix cancelled
Tuesday, 6 July 2021
The 2021 event will not go ahead.
The Australian Grand Prix Corporation (AGPC) in conjunction with the Victorian Government and Dorna Sports today announced the 2021 Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix has been cancelled due to restrictions and logistical challenges relating to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The 2021 Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix was scheduled to be held at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit from 22-24 October.
Tickets for the event had not gone on sale.
AGPC will continue to work with Dorna Sports and the Victorian Government regarding the 2022 calendar timings for the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix event.
Quotes attributable to Australian Grand Prix Corporation Chairman, Paul Little AO
“We’re deeply disappointed that for a second consecutive year, both MotoGP™ and Formula 1® fans won’t be able to see the world’s best riders and drivers compete at the wonderful Phillip Island and Albert Park Grand Prix Circuits.”
“We appreciate the challenge Australia faces with current international travel restrictions and the importance of vaccinations.”
“I would like to reassure our motivated and professional staff, suppliers and partners, as well as the Victorian tourism and major events community that we will work tirelessly to deliver these iconic events in 2022.”
Quotes attributable to Australian Grand Prix Corporation CEO, Andrew Westacott
“We understand this is not the news MotoGP™ and Formula 1® fans wanted to hear.”
“I would like to extend my thanks to the Victorian Government, Formula 1® and Dorna Sports for their unwavering resilience and support during this challenging period, and for their ongoing commitment to these two great events.”
“There are bound to be ongoing challenges with COVID-19, but I want to reassure fans that while there is sadness and disappointment amongst our wonderful AGPC staff there is a tenacity and determination to make sure the next episodes of MotoGP™ at the island and Formula 1® at the new Albert Park layout are sensational showcases of how we do things in Victoria.”
Quotes attributable to Dorna Sports CEO, Carmelo Ezpeleta
“We are very sad to announce that we won’t be able to race at the stunning Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit in 2021. One of our truly emblematic venues that always delivers incredible racing, it’s a favourite for fans worldwide and everyone in the paddock.”
“Unfortunately, we will have to wait another year to return to Victoria, but we very much look forward to seeing the Australian fans in 2022 and staging another fantastic event together - this time with two home heroes, Jack Miller and Remy Gardner, on the premier class grid when we return.”
Quote attributable to Australian five-time 500cc MotoGPTM champion and AGPC Board Member, Mick Doohan AM
“I’m totally devastated that we’re not hosting the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix again this year at Phillip Island, especially with the form we’ve got with Jack Miller in MotoGP™ and Remy Gardner in Moto2™, who could have been in a position to win the championship overall at Phillip Island.”
Quotes attributable to current Australian MotoGPTM Ducati Lenovo Team rider, Jack Miller
"All us riders are really disappointed that we won't be able to race at Phillip Island again this year – it's a really tough thing for everyone, but we understand the situation and it's the correct decision.”
"Everyone in the paddock loves to come to Australia and I always feel proud of my home country when we get to host MotoGP™, because everyone loves that track and that event so much. So, fingers crossed things can change for 2022 and we can ride at one of the best tracks in the world and in front of the awesome fans there."
