11/08/2026
Is this new circuit just a ‘jock’ flexing muscles? It seems that in the opinion of experts the financial and tree cost is unjustified. Great article
🏍️ ORIGINAL ADELAIDE CIRCUIT DESIGNER RAISES SERIOUS CONCERNS
Bob Barnard, the architect of Adelaide’s original Formula 1 street circuit, has spoken out about plans to substantially alter the Victoria Park race circuit for MotoGP.
Barnard says the original circuit was designed within strict environmental constraints.
“When I built Adelaide for Formula One, I was not allowed to take one tree out.”
He warns the proposed redesign appears likely to extend further across the Park Lands, require significant tree removal and create a circuit that bears little relationship to the one he originally designed.
Barnard also questioned the public cost, estimating that rebuilding the circuit and constructing a new pit complex could exceed $100 million.
He asked why this level of spending is justified when Adelaide already hosts major and successful motorsport events, including Supercars and the Adelaide Motorsport Festival.
While the final circuit configuration has still not been publicly confirmed, these are significant concerns from someone with decades of international experience designing and developing major racing circuits.
South Australians deserve to see the final plans, complete costings, environmental impacts and independent assessments before public money is committed and irreversible work begins.
Read the full V8 Sleuth article below.
https://www.v8sleuth.com.au/adelaide-circuit-designer-speaks-out-over-track-changes/