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Phillip Island risks losing the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix after next year unless it switches to a March date, according to MotoGP organisers.
Dorna, which promotes the series, says that unless the change is made, the race will not be approved and will not go ahead.
However the Australian Grand Prix is adamant it will remain in its October timeslot until at least the end of the contract extension, which runs until 2016.
The timing of the race has been criticised by several riders, led by seven times world champion Valentino Rossi, who says cold weather and fierce winds ruin what should be a showcase event.
Dorna boss Carmelo Ezpeleta says the 2011 GP will go ahead from October 14-16, but from then on the race must be brought forward.
“It was clear that to move for next year was very complicated,” Ezpeleta told motorcyclenews.com.
“We have spoken to them and for next year the calendar will be as the provisional one already printed.
“We understand because of the short notice, but for 2012 it will be at the beginning of the season.
“It must be at the beginning of the year because I think it is too risky later in the season.
“For 2012 it will be compulsory and the FIM will not homologate the circuit unless the race is at the beginning of the year. There can be no excuses in 2012.”
However AGPC chief executive Andrew Westacott says there are no plans to change the dates of the race.
Westacott says bringing the race forwards to March would cause multiple problems and impact on the Formula One Grand Prix at the end of the month.
“There’s a contract that Dorna have got that exists with us that says the race will be in September-October until 2016,” Westacott said.
“Carmelo has been suggesting this for a while on and off but we’ve never had a delayed race, never had a cancelled race.
“The vagaries of the weather exist all around the place at various times of the year.
“It’s not as easy as saying we’ll just slot it in in March.
“Marshalls and emergency services would also be doing potentially World Superbikes (in February), MotoGP testing at Phillip Island and the Formula One event.”
Westacott accused Dorna of “posturing” and said there was no logic to the request but would hold discussions with the organisation next month.
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