Phillip Island confirmed for 2027 WorldSBK season opener

Phillip Island gets 2027 WorldSBK opener, but is this the last?

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 across February 19-21, 2027.

The event will again be preceded by the traditional two-day pre-season WorldSBK test, scheduled for February 15-16, giving teams and riders an early chance to finalise race set-up before points go on the line just days later.

The 2027 visit will mark the 36th WorldSBK event staged at Phillip Island, continuing a long association between the championship and one of motorcycle racing’s most revered circuits.

A 2027 return, but potentially a farewell

While confirmation of the 2027 WorldSBK opener is welcome news for Victorian motorcycle racing fans, MCNews.com.au believes this is likely to be the final time Phillip Island hosts WorldSBK for some time.

MCNews.com.au understands that The Bend Motorsport Park in South Australia is expected to take over hosting duties for the Australian round of the Superbike World Championship from 2028 onwards, although that move has not yet been formally announced by the championship.

Troy Corser was crowned World Superbike Champion at Phillip Island in 1996, sealing the title on home soil despite Anthony Gobert winning both races. Just one of the memorable moments at Phillip Island.

If that proves correct, the February 2027 event will carry far greater significance than simply being another season opener. It may represent the end of a major era for Phillip Island as a regular WorldSBK venue, following Victoria’s loss of the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix to Adelaide from 2027.

Phillip Island’s place in WorldSBK history

Phillip Island has long been regarded as one of the great motorcycle racing venues in the world, with its fast, flowing layout, dramatic elevation changes and exposed coastal setting creating a challenge that riders consistently rate among the best on the calendar.

For WorldSBK, the Island has regularly served as the championship’s opening battleground, with its abrasive surface, high-speed corners and unpredictable Bass Strait weather often producing compelling racing and a stern early-season test for teams.

Troy Bayliss celebrates victory at Phillip Island in 2002

The February slot has also made Phillip Island a natural destination event for international and interstate fans, combining three days of racing with a summer visit to one of Victoria’s strongest regional tourism drawcards.

Victorian Government welcomes 2027 confirmation

Victorian Minister for Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos said the government was looking forward to welcoming the paddock and fans back to the Island in February 2027.

“We look forward to welcoming riders, crew and fans back to Phillip Island in February 2027 for thrilling action on the track and beyond, filling up our cafes, shops and hotels,” Dimopoulos said. This event puts Phillip Island on the global stage as a stunning visitor destination, with superbikes fans from around the world tuning in for the opening round.”

Phillip Island

Tickets yet to go on sale

Ticket sale dates for the 2027 Phillip Island WorldSBK round have not yet been announced.

With a two-day test preceding the race weekend, the 2027 opener will again give Australian fans an extended look at the WorldSBK field as the championship prepares to launch another season on one of the fastest and most spectacular circuits in the world.

And if current expectations around the Australian round’s future prove accurate, it may also be the final opportunity for some time to see WorldSBK machinery race at Phillip Island.