Casey Stoner plans to 'fight' for Phillip Island to return to MotoGP schedule

Retired MotoGP star Casey Stoner says he plans to “fight” to keep Phillip Island on the MotoGP calendar, despite plans to move the Australian Grand Prix to Adelaide from 2027. Phillip Island, near Melbourne, has hosted the race every year since 1989, with exceptions tied to Covid-19 disruptions and six editions at Eastern Creek in the 1990s. Stoner, who won at the circuit six straight times from 2007 to 2012, called the likely exit “extremely disappointing” and argued the track could use upgrades without abandoning it in favor of a street circuit. In a promotional YouTube video with former rider Chris Vermeulen, Stoner said the pits and surrounding areas need a revamp, but that the venue consistently delivers top-level racing. His influence route remains unclear.