2021 Australian MotoGP cancelled
Following widespread speculation that the 2021 Australian MotoGP round would be cancelled, it has now been confirmed that for the second year running the event will not run due to Covid.
With a resurgence in Covid cases, the halving of travel caps and state lockdowns a continuing challenge, not to mention the enormous logistics required to bring teams to Australia, the 2021 Australian MotoGP has been called off, with the following statement released by the AGPC:
The calendar has been updated as a result, with the Malaysian round moved and Grande Premio do Algarve added. See below for more details.
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 both events.
Paul Little – Australian Grand Prix Corporation Chairman
“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.”
Andrew Westacott – Australian Grand Prix Corporation CEO
“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.”
Carmelo Ezpeleta – Dorna Sports CEO
“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.”
Mick Doohan – AGPC Board Member
“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.”
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.”
Malaysian MotoGP moved & Grande Premio do Algarve added to calendar
The 2021 Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix has therefore been brought forward and will take place a week earlier than previously scheduled, from the 22nd to the 24th of October – the weekend immediately following the rescheduled OR Grand Prix of Thailand.
In addition, the FIM, IRTA and Dorna Sports are delighted to confirm the addition of the Grande Premio do Algarve to the 2021 FIM MotoGP World Championship calendar. MotoGP will return to Portimão from the 5th to the 7th of November, the week preceding the Gran Premio Motul de la Comunitat Valenciana, as the iconic Autodromo do Algarve welcomes MotoGP back for a second Grand Prix this season.
2021 FIM MotoGP World Championship calendar
July 7 Update
| Round | Date | Location |
| Round 10 | Aug-8 | Styria, Red Bull Ring |
| Round 11 | Aug-15 | Austria, Red Bull Ring |
| Round 12 | Aug-29 | Great Britain, Silverstone |
| Round 13 | Sep-12 | Aragon, Motorland Aragon |
| Round 14 | Sep-19 | San Marino, Misano |
| Round 15 | Oct-03 | Americas, Circuit of the Americas |
| Round 16 | Oct-17 | Thailand, Chang International Circuit |
| Round 17 | Oct-24 | Malaysia, Sepang |
| Round 18 | Nov 7 | Algarve, Autodromo Internacional do Algarve |
| Round 19 | Nov-14 | Valencia, Circuit Ricardo Tormo |
Source: MCNews.com.au