Miller, Gardner form means Doohan 'devastated' at Australian MotoGP cancellation

Five-time 500cc world champion and Australian Grand Prix Corporation board member Mick Doohan has said he is 'totally devastated' by the cancellation of the Phillip Island MotoGP round.

It's the second year in succession that the Australian motorcycle grand prix has been forced to withdraw from the world championship calendar due to 'restrictions and logistical challenges' caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

However, this year's exit is especially painful for Doohan since Australia not only has home star Jack Miller winning races in the premier-class, but countryman Remy Gardner leading the Moto2 world championship.

“I’m totally devastated that we’re not hosting the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix again this year at Phillip Island, especially with the form we’ve got with Jack Miller in MotoGP and Remy Gardner in Moto2, who could have been in a position to win the championship overall at Phillip Island," Doohan said.

While the Australian fans won't have chance to cheer on Gardner as a home Moto2 rider, they can at least look forward to both Factory Ducati star Miller and future Tech3 KTM rider Gardner being on the Phillip Island MotoGP grid together in 2022.

“Unfortunately, we will have to wait another year to return to Victoria, but we very much look forward to seeing the Australian fans in 2022 and staging another fantastic event together - this time with two home heroes, Jack Miller and Remy Gardner, on the premier class grid when we return," said Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta.

Remy, son of 1987 500cc world champion Wayne Gardner, currently holds a 31-point lead over team-mate Raul Fernandez in the Moto2 class. Miller entered the summer break fifth in the MotoGP standings, with two wins so far this season.

Today's announcement also confirmed that the Australian F1 Grand Prix at Albert Park has been cancelled for 2021.

“We’re deeply disappointed that for a second consecutive year, both MotoGP and Formula 1 fans won’t be able to see the world’s best riders and drivers compete at the wonderful Phillip Island and Albert Park Grand Prix Circuits," said Australian Grand Prix Corporation Chairman, Paul Little.

“We appreciate the challenge Australia faces with current international travel restrictions and the importance of vaccinations.

“I would like to reassure our motivated and professional staff, suppliers and partners, as well as the Victorian tourism and major events community that we will work tirelessly to deliver these iconic events in 2022.”