News Summary
- The 2026 Australian MotoGP race starts at 14:00 AEDT on Sunday, October 25, at Phillip Island.
- Fans in New Zealand can watch at 16:00 NZDT, India at 08:30 IST and the United Kingdom at 03:00 GMT.
- Phillip Island hosts its final MotoGP Grand Prix before the event moves to Adelaide in 2027, with Martín and Márquez separated by two points entering the weekend.
The 2026 Australian MotoGP Grand Prix will start at 14:00 local time at Phillip Island on Sunday, October 25, marking the championship’s final race at the historic circuit before the Australian round moves to Adelaide in 2027.
The race begins at 16:00 in New Zealand, 08:30 in India and 03:00 in the United Kingdom, while viewers in the United States will need to tune in on Saturday evening because of the time difference.
The farewell weekend arrives with Jorge Martín leading Marc Márquez by just two points in the Riders’ Championship, while Marco Bezzecchi remains mathematically involved in the title fight.
The race will also mark the end of a venue that has hosted some of MotoGP’s most memorable battles, including Casey Stoner’s six consecutive victories between 2007 and 2012.
What time is the Australian MotoGP race in each country?
The table below shows the scheduled start of the premier-class race, converted from 14:00 AEDT on Sunday, October 25.
| Country / City | Local date | MotoGP race start |
|---|---|---|
| Australia — Melbourne / Sydney (AEDT) | Sun, Oct 25 | 14:00 |
| Australia — Brisbane (AEST) | Sun, Oct 25 | 13:00 |
| Australia — Adelaide (ACDT) | Sun, Oct 25 | 13:30 |
| Australia — Perth (AWST) | Sun, Oct 25 | 11:00 |
| New Zealand — Auckland (NZDT) | Sun, Oct 25 | 16:00 |
| India — New Delhi (IST) | Sun, Oct 25 | 08:30 |
| United Kingdom — London (GMT) | Sun, Oct 25 | 03:00 |
| Ireland — Dublin (GMT) | Sun, Oct 25 | 03:00 |
| Singapore (SGT) | Sun, Oct 25 | 11:00 |
| Malaysia — Kuala Lumpur (MYT) | Sun, Oct 25 | 11:00 |
| South Africa — Johannesburg (SAST) | Sun, Oct 25 | 05:00 |
| United States — New York (EDT) | Sat, Oct 24 | 23:00 |
| United States — Chicago (CDT) | Sat, Oct 24 | 22:00 |
| United States — Los Angeles (PDT) | Sat, Oct 24 | 20:00 |
| Canada — Toronto (EDT) | Sat, Oct 24 | 23:00 |
| Brazil — Brasília (BRT) | Sun, Oct 25 | 00:00 |
Times refer to the scheduled race start. The United Kingdom switches from BST to GMT on October 25, before the race begins.
Why is the 2026 Australian MotoGP so important?
Phillip Island’s final MotoGP weekend carries historical and championship significance.
The circuit has hosted the Australian Grand Prix since 1989, with an interruption during the early 1990s before becoming the permanent venue again in 1997.
Its fast, flowing layout has made it one of the most demanding circuits on the calendar, particularly because of its high-speed corners, unpredictable coastal weather and demanding tyre conditions.
However, MotoGP has confirmed that the Australian round will move to Adelaide in 2027, making the October 25 race the last scheduled premier-class Grand Prix at Phillip Island.
The farewell celebrations will feature Australian world champions Casey Stoner, Mick Doohan and Wayne Gardner.
The three will participate in a ceremonial lap, recalling the circuit’s history and its importance to Australian motorcycle racing.
The final Phillip Island weekend also presents five historical records and milestones that could become part of the circuit’s lasting MotoGP legacy.
Martín and Márquez separated by two points
The 2026 championship arrives in Australia with one of its closest title battles.
Jorge Martín leads Marc Márquez by just two points, while Marco Bezzecchi is 46 points behind the championship leader.
A maximum of 37 points is available during the weekend, including 12 points for winning Saturday’s sprint and 25 for Sunday’s Grand Prix.
The small difference means the championship lead could change during the sprint before the main race even begins.
The title battle will therefore be one of the main attractions of the weekend, alongside Phillip Island’s farewell.
The circuit has traditionally produced unpredictable races, with wind direction, tyre wear and changing grip conditions influencing the outcome.
Martín and Márquez both have experience fighting near the front at Phillip Island, while Bezzecchi needs to recover points to remain a serious championship contender.
What is the Australian MotoGP weekend schedule?
| Session | Phillip Island local time (AEDT) |
|---|---|
| Friday Free Practice 1 | Fri, Oct 23 — 10:45 |
| Friday Practice | Fri, Oct 23 — 15:00 |
| Saturday Qualifying | Sat, Oct 24 — 10:50 |
| Saturday sprint | Sat, Oct 24 — 15:00 |
| Sunday MotoGP race | Sun, Oct 25 — 14:00 |
All times are local to Phillip Island, Victoria, Australia.
The weekend also includes Moto2 and Moto3 practice, qualifying and races.
The MotoGP sprint will take place on Saturday, October 24, with qualifying earlier the same day.
Which riders will miss the Australian MotoGP?
Several riders will be absent from the final Phillip Island event because of injuries.
Toprak Razgatlıoğlu has been ruled out for the remainder of the 2026 season, with the Pramac Yamaha rider scheduled to undergo surgery on his right shoulder.
Augusto Fernández will replace Razgatlıoğlu after the Turkish rider’s rookie season ended early.
Gresini will also be without Fermín Aldeguer, who has undergone surgery on a fractured right hand.
Iker Lecuona has been confirmed as Aldeguer’s replacement, returning to the Ducati after completing the World Superbike season.
Both replacements will have limited preparation time at a circuit known for its high-speed corners and demanding conditions.
Where can fans watch the Australian MotoGP?
MotoGP is available through different broadcasters depending on the country.
In Australia, coverage is carried by Fox Sports and Kayo Sports, with selected events also available through Network 10.
British viewers can follow the championship on TNT Sports, while American fans can watch through the championship’s authorised broadcasting partners.
MotoGP VideoPass also offers live streaming in supported territories.
Broadcast rights and subscription requirements vary by market, so viewers should confirm local availability before the weekend.
FAQ
What time does the Australian MotoGP race start?
The race begins at 14:00 AEDT on Sunday, October 25, at Phillip Island.
What time is the Australian MotoGP in the UK?
The race starts at 03:00 GMT on Sunday, October 25, after the United Kingdom switches to winter time.
Is this the final MotoGP race at Phillip Island?
Yes. The Australian Grand Prix is scheduled to move to Adelaide in 2027, making October 25 the circuit’s final MotoGP race under the current agreement.
