Phillip Island is considered one of the most breathtaking circuits in the world, with a spectacular ocean backdrop where the track seems to plunge into the deep blue from the starting grid.

It’s a circuit beloved by riders for its many fast corners, where overtakes become heart-stopping spectacles, delivering unforgettable thrills to the thousands of fans who flock every October to Australia’s most loved Grand Prix—and one of the most iconic worldwide.

Behind this idyllic setting, however, lies uncertainty over the future of MotoGP on the island from 2027 onwards.

The ten-year agreement between the Bass Coast Shire Council and the Australian Grand Prix Corporation is due to expire this year, and the Victorian Government has yet to secure an extension.

As a result, the local council and a group of businesses have joined forces to launch an online petition, Save Our MotoGP, calling on the premier to “guarantee a long-term contract extension”.

MotoGP has been held at Phillip Island since 1997, with earlier appearances on the calendar in 1989 and 1990.

For one week each year, the event generates substantial revenue, benefiting the entire community and supporting around 284 jobs.

As stated in the petition published on the Bass Coast Council website, the Grand Prix “delivers enormous economic, social and tourism benefits to Bass Coast, Gippsland and Victoria, generating $54.6 million in economic benefit for Victoria in 2023, including $29.4 million in direct local spending in Bass Coast”.

Renowned restaurateur Rosa Scarlato, owner of the historic Pino’s Trattoria in Cowes, explained that during race week she employs more than 30 staff at her venue, which seats up to 300 people at full capacity, and welcomes thousands of visitors—many of them motorcyclists who are now considered part of the family.

Phillip Island resident since 1981, Scarlato still remembers when then-17-year-old Loris Capirossi, on debut, won the title in 1990.

Rosa Scarlato in her restaurant, Pino’s Trattoria, with Australian motorcyclists Senna Agius (left) and Joel Kelso

“The restaurant opened the following year, and I immediately noticed that since the Grand Prix arrived it brought a lot of business to the island,” she said.

“I would like both the Federal and State Governments to help us, because there is a real risk that not only Victoria, but Australia as a whole, could lose it for good.”

Nearly 74 years old, Scarlato is herself a passionate MotoGP fan—a passion that takes her to Italy every year for the MotoGP tests at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli.

When race week arrives at home, however, she admits she only goes to the circuit if she has pit-lane access. Otherwise, the riders are more than happy to meet her at the trattoria—not just to enjoy authentic Italian food, but also to share photos and autographs with eager fans.

Those wishing to add their signature to the petition can do so either in person at Pino’s Trattoria or online by clicking here.