MotoGP has started a new era by relocating the Australian Grand Prix to the streets of Adelaide and you will find out why in this week’s Business of Motorsport Roundup. You will also find out how Alpine leaving the WEC could affect sportscar racing and much more!
Motorsport Industry News
MotoGP Moves to the Streets of Adelaide
With Carlos Ezpeleta highlighting the strategic changes brought about by the transition from Bridgepoint’s ownership to Liberty Media for the newly renamed MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group, the site of 2027’s Australian Grand Prix could be an indicator of where the series sees itself going.
It was announced this week that the race will move from its current location at the Phillip Island circuit to a street circuit in Adelaide. The Government of South Australia and MotoGP Sports Entertainment presented the project for the street circuit on Thursday, with the event led by South Australia premier Peter Malinauskas and Ezpeleta.
“Hosting the world’s first MotoGP race on a fully urban circuit will give Adelaide a unique opportunity, one that will undoubtedly attract visitors from interstate and overseas,” added the Labor leader, who estimates MotoGP could generate an annual economic impact of around €130million for the region.”
But not everybody is impressed as Max Oxley in Motorsport Magazine explains. “Of course, there are a few problems with running MotoGP races around street circuits, namely walls, buildings, street furniture and trees…“
Alpine Leaves the WEC to Concentrate on Formula 1
With the decision of Alpine to shutter their WEC program not long after mothballing their F1 engine program to focus on F1, their exit is a reminder that the “golden era” of sportscar racing is still beholden to manufacturer participation, which means there could be more changes in the future.
“What you can’t ignore, however, are the challenges faced by the automotive industry right now as it transitions towards net-zero emissions. Like it or lump it, the future of motorsport, from the grassroots up, is going to be impacted by decisions made by legislators and politicians over the years to come. That is going to make for uncertain times in the years ahead.”
Barcelona Joins F1 Rotation with New Three-Race Deal
Formula 1 has concluded fresh terms with the organizers of the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix, keeping the race at Montmelo on the calendar for three out of the next six years. A deal has now been reached to join the Belgian Grand Prix as part of F1’s European rotation, alternating with Spa-Francorchamps over the next six years.
How NASCAR’s Chase Format Return Could Reshape 2026 Sponsorship and Revenue
NASCAR’s return to the Chase format in 2026 is already fueling momentum ahead of the Daytona 500. With a simplified championship structure and teams leveraging AI for performance gains, the shift could boost fan engagement and strengthen sponsor valuations. Vantage explains how.
Quick Takes on the Business of Motorsport This Week
Ford Racing’s Strategy and More
Highlights from the Sustainable Motorsport Roundup
Porsche Chooses Formula E Over WEC
Porsche has chosen Formula E over racing in WEC and in this week’s Sustainable Motorsport Roundup you will find out why this is significant for electric racing. I also have news on IndyCar’s sustainable race tire plans and more!
Motorsport Law Roundup
Joe Gibbs Racing Sues Former Competition Director Chris Gabehart
A federal lawsuit filed by Joe Gibbs Racing against Chris Gabehart is accusing the NASCAR team’s former competition director of attempting to steal the organization’s sensitive information for a competitor, Spire Motorsports.
Autoweek has more details here.
TWG AI Is A Game-Changer For Cadillac F1 and More
The Business of Running a Race Team
Andrew Kirkaldy of Garage 59: Our Aim is Always to Win Races
While not expecting to ‘just rock up and be straight on the pace’, Garage 59 is laser-focused on success as it readies itself for its debut in the FIA World Endurance Championship this year, says Team Principal, Andrew Kirkaldy.
“I’ve obviously been a driver myself, and as such, I know just how hard it is to forge a professional career in this sport – and it’s only getting tougher. That’s why as a team, we’ve always done our best to try to nurture up-and-coming talents and help them to climb the ladder.”
Team & Manufacturer News
Why is Toyota Back in F1 and More Team News
Motorsport Movers & Shakers
Storytime with Mario Andretti
Mario Andretti shares his remarkable journey from an immigrant to one of the greatest race car drivers of all time. He reflects on his early days in racing, the challenges he faced, and the importance of family and teamwork in achieving success.
The discussion also delves into the evolution of racing technology, the significance of sound in motorsports, and Andretti’s thoughts on the future of racing, particularly with the Andretti name entering Formula 1. Throughout the conversation, Andretti emphasizes the American dream and the unique experiences that shaped his illustrious career.