MotoGP Riders Overlooked in Decision to Cancel Australian Grand Prix

Francesco Bagnaia has disclosed that MotoGP riders were not consulted prior to the cancellation of this weekend’s Australian Grand Prix at Phillip Island. He added that the riders must respect the decision, as safety concerns were paramount.

The Phillip Island circuit could not deliver a proper MotoGP farewell due to severe weather. After multiple postponements, the race was ultimately cancelled because heavy rain and strong winds compromised visibility.

Visibility never improved enough to resume racing, prompting organisers to cancel the event. According to Bagnaia, the championship authorities made the decision without consulting the riders.

The Ducati rider spoke to UK broadcaster TNT Sports following the confirmation of Sunday’s cancellation. When asked if riders had a say in the decision, Bagnaia responded, “No.”

He emphasized, however, that riders must respect the decision, as their safety was at stake.

“But in situations like this, we need to respect the decisions [of the organisers],” the three‑time world champion added.

Nevertheless, Bagnaia admitted that he would have liked to race.

“Yes, absolutely,” he said, noting that “the conditions were tricky and very cold, but we have raced in worse conditions than this.”

“It’s a shame to have a Sunday like this, to stay in the garage at a track like Phillip Island for the last time,” he commented.

He continued, “I just hope that in the future we can return to Phillip Island to enjoy, because as we saw yesterday, the races there are spectacular and full of great battles.”

Pitlane de Phillip Island con lluvia

Foto de: Robert Cianflone / Getty Images

With the race cancelled, riders completed a couple of demonstration laps behind the Safety Car to bid farewell to the venue and acknowledge the fans who had gathered for what would have been a historic final day of MotoGP racing at Phillip Island.

Poor weather arrived early Sunday morning, causing delays and the eventual cancellation of scheduled sessions. Organisers clarified that the race was not halted due to track conditions but because insufficient visibility prevented the medical helicopter from operating safely.

MotoGP race director Graham Webber explained that a one‑hour window was required for a helicopter transfer from Phillip Island to Melbourne, where the designated hospital is located, should a serious accident occur. The helicopter was essential because an ambulance could not cover the distance within the necessary timeframe, needing more than 45 minutes.

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