In another blow for Victoria’s world-famous Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, WorldSBK is set to follow MotoGP with a move to South Australia.
Save for the period affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, Australia has traditionally held the season-opening slot on the WorldSBK calendar since 2009.
While the final date has not been confirmed, The Bend has been provisionally announced to host WorldSBK in February, 2028 putting it in the window to continue that trend.
Orchestrated in conjunction with the South Australian government, The Bend Motorsport Park managing director Sam Shahin noted that the announcement represents another major milestone in the circuit’s short history.
“Securing WorldSBK is a significant achievement for The Bend and today’s announcement marks a historic day for motorsport and for South Australia,” Shahin said.
“From the outset, our vision has been to create a proud facility capable of attracting the world’s leading motorsport categories and hosting the highest levels of international competition.
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“A decade on, we celebrate a major milestone; WorldSBK is coming.
“This championship is set to bring the top motorcycle manufacturers, teams and riders to South Australia, creating a powerful platform that will showcase our venue, our passionate motorsport community and our state to a global audience.
“WorldSBK has an incredibly passionate global fanbase and we look forward to welcoming them to The Bend and delivering an event experience that reflects the significance of this championship and its place on the international calendar.”
South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas has been an integral part in securing major motorsport events for the state.
The Premier noted that the addition of WorldSBK further strengthens the state’s position as “Australia’s motorsport capital” alongside the The Bend 500, Adelaide Grand Final and MotoGP.
“South Australia has built one of the strongest motorsport portfolios in the country,” Mr Malinauskas said.
“From the world-class facilities at The Bend to the Adelaide street circuit, we are attracting premier events, passionate fans and global attention.
“With WorldSBK joining MotoGP, the Adelaide Grand Final and the AirTouch 500 Enduro, this announcement reinforces our commitment to motorsport and reflects our determination to ensure South Australia remains the home of motorsport in this country.
“It also provides a pathway for the next generation of riders, engineers, officials, volunteers and motorsport enthusiasts to engage with world-class competition right here at home.”
While WorldSBK has not formally announced its 2027 calendar, Phillip Island has confirmed it will host the opening round in mid-February, before the switch to The Bend from 2028.
Phillip Island has staged the most WorldSBK races of any track in the championship’s history with 76 races, putting it just ahead of Assen on 74 races after this year’s April visit.
Australia has hosted the world championship 37 times, beginning at Oran Park in 1988 before moving permanently to Phillip Island in 1990.
WorldSBK has visited every year since, with the exception of 2021 when the pandemic precluded travel to Australia.
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