Adelaide’s new $96 million street circuit has been unveiled, revealing the track that will host the world’s first MotoGP city street race in 2027.
The 4.13-kilometre circuit will feature 15 corners and revive several famous sections of Adelaide’s former Formula 1 track, including Stag Corner, Rundle Road, Brewery Bend and Dequetteville Terrace.
Designed for both MotoGP and Supercars, the new layout is expected to produce extraordinary speeds through the eastern CBD, with MotoGP bikes predicted to exceed 340km/h along Dequetteville Terrace and Supercars reaching more than 275km/h.
The inaugural MotoGP Grand Prix of Australia Adelaide 2027 is anticipated to take place ahead of the bp Adelaide Grand Final in November next year, bringing two major international motorsport events to the city.
Together, the races are expected to generate more than $200 million for South Australia each year, while showcasing Adelaide to a global audience of more than 630 million people.
The new circuit has been developed in consultation with the South Australian Motor Sport Board, Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme, Motorcycling Australia, MotoGP and Supercars Australia.
Former motorcycle world champion and MotoGP safety adviser Loris Capirossi and five-time Supercars champion Mark Skaife have also contributed to the design.
“The new circuit design takes things to another level,” Mark said.
“It will be super-quick with lots of overtaking opportunities and, in Supercars configuration, the kerbs will be punishing and the walls will be inches away.”
Beyond motorsport, the redevelopment will also bring the Santos Tour Down Under Classic back into the city from 2028, with some of the world’s leading cyclists set to race around the purpose-built circuit.
The project includes upgrades throughout Victoria Park/Pakapakanthi and surrounding Park Lands, including a new 1.2-kilometre cycling loop, five-kilometre and two-kilometre running loops, improved shared-use paths, an upgraded soccer field, accessible toilets and new courts and play areas.
A purpose-designed water jump will also be constructed for the Adelaide Equestrian Festival, while new service infrastructure will support major Fringe hubs Gluttony and The Garden of Unearthly Delights.
Changes made since the reference design was released in February will preserve an avenue of significant gum trees along Wakefield Road and save the Glover Playspace at East Terrace and Wakefield Street.
However, the project is expected to require the removal of 377 trees, including 42 classified as significant. A further 88 trees will be transplanted, while another 22 will undergo below-ground investigations to determine whether they can remain.
The scale of the tree removal has drawn significant community opposition, with environmental groups and residents questioning whether the circuit should be built within the Park Lands. Conservation Council SA said it never supported holding the race in the area and remained “deeply disappointed” by the planned loss of hundreds of trees, including significant specimens.
The organisation said sustained advocacy from community and environmental groups, along with more than 1,470 South Australians who participated in its recent Park Lands survey, helped secure the Government’s environmental commitments. These included the 10-to-one tree replacement ratio, mature replacements for significant trees and additional funding for habitat restoration and biodiversity work beyond the immediate circuit site.
The State Government has committed to replacing each removed tree at a ratio of 10 to one, resulting in a net increase of at least 3,393 trees across the Adelaide Park Lands. A further 123,000 understorey plants are also proposed.
The environmental works will be supported by a separate $15 million Adelaide Park Lands Nature Positive Package, covering tree canopy, native plants, butterfly habitat, the River Torrens and support for the city’s grey-headed flying fox colony.
Premier Peter Malinauskas said the circuit would begin a new chapter for an important part of Adelaide’s motorsport history.
“In its new era, we will deliver something truly world class – blending speed, safety and spectacular racing for both MotoGP and Supercars that will bring tens of thousands of visitors to our city and state,” he said.
Public consultation on the proposed circuit, community spaces and planting plans is now open and will continue until Sunday, September 20.
Subject to consultation and City of Adelaide approvals, construction is scheduled to begin in December 2026.
