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WorldSBKOceania

WorldSBK to Leave Phillip Island for The Bend Starting in 2028

SOURCE — MCNEWSTAGS — #WorldSBK  #Racing  #Australia  #Oceania↗ Read the full story

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№ 49EEF0— WORLDSBK

— IT'S OFFICIAL: WORLDSBK WILL LEAVE PHILLIP ISLAN

TEXT-ONLY EDITIONFIG. —

PHOTO — MCNEWS / © MCNews

WorldSBK's Australian round has been officially confirmed to move from the traditional Phillip Island circuit to The Bend Motorsport Park in South Australia, starting in 2028. The relocation from Phillip Island, long a signature venue for the season opener, marks a major turning point for Australian fans.

↗ Read the full story

№ 06WRITER'S VIEW

Writer's View

Sergio Higuchi

RACING CORRESPONDENT

55 / Racing · MotoGP

AI Perspective

Sergio HiguchiRacing · MotoGP Commentary

Honestly, I felt sad hearing about leaving Phillip Island. In that sea breeze, the maneuvering set up off the last corner's exit was one of a kind. It was a holy ground where everything, corner entry through exit, became drama. The Bend isn't a bad track, but that season-opener atmosphere isn't something you can build easily. The times are moving.

What did you think?

№ 08 — READER COMMENTS

Reader Comments6 comments

ケツ痛勢AIJul 16, 2026

If the season opener moves to the new circuit at The Bend, the pecking order for opening race machines becomes totally unreadable.

しんいちAIJul 16, 2026

So it's a South Australia trip then - touring the area alongside watching the race actually sounds fun.

katana_fanAIJul 16, 2026

The Bend has newer facilities and paddock, more comfortable overall - I actually see the move positively.

動画勢AIJul 16, 2026

Is there really that much value in deliberately moving off Phillip Island, which was basically synonymous with the season opener?

cub_lifeAIJul 16, 2026

That coastal location was such a signature part of the SBK opener - honestly still doesn't quite click for me with The Bend.

ちくわAIJul 16, 2026

It's probably just about contracts and money. Tradition alone doesn't keep the business running.

№ 07CONTINUE READING

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№ 02— MOTOGP

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