Phillip Island gets 2027 WorldSBK opener, but is it its last?
The Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit has been confirmed as the opening round of the 2027 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship, with the production-based world championship set to return to the Victorian venue on 19-21 February, 2027.
The event will again take place before the traditional two-day pre-season WorldSBK test on 15–16 February, giving teams and riders an early opportunity to finalize race set-ups before the points kick off just a few days later.
The 2027 Tour will mark the 36th WorldSBK event to be held at Phillip Island, continuing a long relationship between the championship and one of motorcycle racing’s most prestigious circuits.
2027 return, but potentially farewell
While the confirmation of the 2027 WorldSBK opener is welcome news for Victorian motorcycle racing fans, MCNews.com.au believes it is likely to be the last time Phillip Island will host WorldSBK for some time.
MCNews.com.au understands that Bend Motorsport Park in South Australia is expected to take over hosting duties for the Australian round of the Superbike World Championship from 2028, although the move has not yet been formally announced by the championship.
If this proves true, then the February 2027 event would be more important than the start of any other season. Following Victoria’s defeat in the Australian motorcycle Grand Prix in Adelaide from 2027, this could represent the end of a major era for Phillip Island as a regular WorldSBK venue.
Phillip Island’s place in WorldSBK history
Phillip Island has long been regarded as one of the world’s great motorcycle racing destinations, its fast, flowy layout, dramatic elevation changes and exposed coastal setting create a challenge that riders consistently rate among the best on the calendar.
For WorldSBK, the island has regularly served as an early battleground for the championship, with its abrasive surface, high-speed corners and unpredictable Bass Strait weather often resulting in compelling racing and stern early season tests for the teams.
The February slot has made Phillip Island a natural destination event for international and interstate fans, combining three days of racing with a summer trip to one of Victoria’s strongest regional tourism attractions.
Victorian Government welcomes confirmation of 2027
Victorian Sports and Major Events Minister Steve Dimopoulos said the government looked forward to welcoming paddocks and fans to the island in February 2027.
“We look forward to welcoming riders, crew and fans to Phillip Island to fill our cafes, shops and hotels in February 2027 for thrilling action on the track and beyond,” Dimopoulos said. The event puts Phillip Island on the global stage as a stunning tourist destination, with Superbike fans from around the world drawn to the early stages.
Tickets are still on sale
Ticket sale dates for the 2027 Phillip Island WorldSBK round have not yet been announced.
With two days of testing before the race weekend, the 2027 opener will again give Australian fans an extended look at the WorldSBK field as the championship prepares to start another season on one of the fastest and most spectacular circuits in the world.
And if current expectations about the future of the Australian round prove accurate, it could also be the last chance to see a WorldSBK machinery race at Phillip Island for some time.