Moto3 - Phillip Island

The Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit will host the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix in 2026, featuring the Moto3 race as part of the premier weekend of motorcycle racing. This marks the 37th anniversary of the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix at Phillip Island. The circuit is located near Ventnor on Phillip Island, Victoria, Australia, and provides a spectacular setting for world-class motorcycle competition.

About the Circuit

The Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit stretches 4.448 kilometers around the coastal landscape. The track features 12 turns, with five right-hand corners and seven left-hand corners. The circuit width measures 13 meters, and the longest straight extends for 900 meters. Riders face a challenging elevation change of 57 meters throughout the lap, making this one of the most demanding circuits in motorcycle racing.

The track surface is asphalt, and the pole position sits on the left side. Phillip Island holds an FIM Category A track license, which permits the highest level of motorcycle racing. The circuit sits next to the Bass Strait, offering stunning ocean views, particularly along the Southern Loop section where the track runs close to the coastline.

The Moto3 Race

The Moto3 race at Phillip Island follows the standard Grand Prix weekend structure. Riders participate in Free Practice sessions, followed by Practice and Qualifying sessions that determine the starting grid positions. The race itself consists of multiple laps around the 4.448-kilometer circuit. Pirelli serves as the exclusive tyre supplier for the Moto3 World Championship in 2026, providing soft (SC1) and medium (SC2) slick tyre options for both front and rear.

Teams and Riders

The 2026 Moto3 World Championship field includes several established teams competing at Phillip Island. Honda-mounted teams include Gryd – MLav Racing, Honda Team Asia, Leopard Racing, Rivacold Snipers Team, and Sic58 Squadra Corse. Notable riders on Honda machinery include Australian Joel Kelso with Gryd – MLav Racing, alongside teammates from various countries.

KTM teams comprise a significant portion of the grid, including CFMoto Aspar Team, CIP Green Power, Code Motorsports, Frinsa – MT Helmets – MSi, LevelUp – MTA, Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP, Red Bull KTM Ajo, and Red Bull KTM Tech3. These teams field riders from Spain, Argentina, New Zealand, South Africa, Japan, Malaysia, Finland, Italy, and the United Kingdom. All teams use series-specified Pirelli tyres.

Technical Specifications

The Moto3 class uses 250cc prototype machines. Honda supplies the NSF250RW model, while KTM provides the RC250GP. The engines remain four-stroke units with strict technical regulations governing their specifications. A complete Moto3 chassis carries a price cap of approximately $87,300, and a six-engine package costs around $61,600.

The FIM publishes detailed technical regulations annually. These rules cover all aspects of the motorcycles, from engine specifications to chassis construction and aerodynamic components. The current technical regulations will remain in place for 2026.

Circuit History

Motor racing at Phillip Island began in 1928 with the first Australian Grand Prix on public roads. A permanent racing track opened in 1952. The circuit hosted major events including the Armstrong 500, which later evolved into the Bathurst 1000 endurance race. The Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix joined the FIM Road Racing World Championship calendar in 1989.

The circuit closed in the late 1970s due to track deterioration. New owners purchased the facility in 1985 and invested $5 million in refurbishment. The modern circuit reopened in 1988, and MotoGP returned in 1989. The race has been a regular fixture since 1997, with only brief interruptions.

What Makes This Race Special

Phillip Island is known as the home of Australian motorsport. The circuit is one of the fastest and most fluid tracks on the calendar. Riders must maintain high speeds while managing the elevation changes and coastal winds. The fast, flowing nature of the track creates close racing and frequent overtaking opportunities in the Moto3 class.

The scenic backdrop adds to the appeal. The circuit runs alongside the Bass Strait, with the Southern Loop section offering particularly striking coastal views. The natural terrain and elevation changes make Phillip Island unique among modern racing circuits. The track tests both rider skill and machine performance across its 4.448-kilometer layout.

The Moto3 race at Phillip Island consistently produces competitive action. The 250cc machines suit the fast, flowing corners of the circuit. Young riders push their limits on this challenging track, and the close competition in the Moto3 class means multiple riders typically fight for podium positions. The combination of the technical circuit, competitive field, and beautiful setting makes the Phillip Island Moto3 race a significant event in the championship.