The MotoGP race at Phillip Island has been cancelled as heavy rain and poor visibility washed out what was the final race at the island circuit.
All races at the track, including the Australian Superbikes race three and both the Moto2 and Moto3 races, were cancelled earlier on Sunday, with hopes that fans would see the MotoGP take a final turn around the iconic circuit fading as the day passed.
The race will move to a street circuit in Adelaide, South Australia in 2027, after three decades at the circuit on the Bass Coast.
The wet weather derailed plans for a final lap of the Ventnor circuit, with the announcement made at 3:30pm that the MotoGP race had been called off after motoring fans sat in the stands for hours in the rain. The race had been delayed from its original 2pm start time, with hopes it would begin at 4:30pm.
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A MotoGP riders farewell lap was being held at 3:45pm.
In a statement, the Australian Grand Prix Corporation said poor visibility that prevented the medical helicopter from flying was behind the cancellation.
“We know this is an incredibly disappointing outcome for fans, teams and everyone who has contributed to the event,” it said.
“Safety must always come first, and racing cannot take place without the medical helicopter able to operate.”
The corporation said it would provide full refunds for Sunday ticketholders and partial refunds for multi-day ticketholders.
The official morning warm up was also cancelled, along with track side entertainment such as the monster trucks and a celebratory legends lap with world champions Mick Doohan, Casey Stoner and Wayne Gardner.abcnews
