We first got a whiff that Philip Island was getting the axe from the MotoGP in February, and the news that a street circuit in Adelaide would replace it soon followed. Since then, feelings about the venue have been split, with some questioning whether a street circuit could be made safe enough by 2027, and others questioning whether the track even looks entertaining. Now the biggest curveball has come to light since February, and it's not promising.
A court injunction application was filed in the Australian federal court against the Adelaide MotoGP. If approved, it would stop any work from taking place before the event, which would ensure the cancelation of the Adelaide GP. But the question is, why has the injunction happened now, and the answer is fairly clear.
The first virtual renderings of the circuit were revealed recently, and the footage created concerns among the locals when it became clear that up to 400 trees would need to be felled to create the track in the renderings. The parklands where the circuit runs through would look drastically different after construction is set to begin in December. According to local media, the injunction was filed by Joshua Hogan on September 18.
In relation to the injunction, Deputy Premier Kyam Maher stated, "The South Australian Government is aware of the application filed in the Federal Court seeking an urgent interim injunction in relation to works associated with MotoGP. The Crown Solicitor’s Office is currently considering the application, including the orders sought and the grounds on which they are sought.
The Government intends to defend its position and will respond through the appropriate court processes. As proceedings are now before the Court, the Government will refrain from commenting on the merits of the case while the application is being considered."
MotoGP is yet to confirm the date of the Australian GP, and I suspect the organizer won't until the court's decision regarding the injunction is finalized.
