The MotoGP 2026 season launch will take place in Kuala Lumpur, marking the second time this event will be held in Southeast Asia but at a different host city. Scheduled for February 6–7, the event will introduce riders, teams, and new season details ahead of the upcoming campaign.
Kuala Lumpur Chosen as New Venue for 2026 Season Introduction
Kuala Lumpur will serve as the location for the 2026 MotoGP season launch, welcoming the full grid of riders and teams to present their lineup. Notable participants expected include rookie and multiple World Superbike Champion Toprak Razgatlioglu and the reigning MotoGP World Champion Marc Marquez. Fans can anticipate the debut of new team partnerships and fresh liveries during this event.
Timing Aligns With Preseason Testing Tradition in Southeast Asia
The season launch is expected to coincide with one of the preseason testing sessions early next year, following a well-established pattern for MotoGP. In 2025, the season launch occurred in Bangkok, closely timed with the final preseason test at the Buriram circuit, also the venue for the season-opener Grand Prix. This scheduling mix helps build momentum heading into the racing season.
Sepang Circuit Remains a Central Hub for Early Season Testing
For over two decades, the Sepang International Circuit has been a favored location for MotoGP preseason testing. It typically hosts both the official first preseason test and the preceding shakedown test, usually held from late January to early February. Although the official 2026 test schedule is not yet available, it is likely that Sepang will maintain its role for initial track activity, possibly dovetailing with the season launch in Kuala Lumpur.
2026 Season Kicks Off at Buriram’s Chang International Circuit
The 2026 race calendar will start at the Chang International Circuit in Buriram, Thailand, from February 27 to March 1. This event will open the full slate of 22 Grand Prix races planned for the season, matching the number of events held in 2025 and continuing the tradition of high-profile competition across the world.
“The 2026 season launch will bring the global MotoGP community together in a significant way, reflecting the sport’s ongoing growth in Southeast Asia,”
said Marc Marquez, MotoGP World Champion.
“I look forward to unveiling our new colors and seeing how the teams and riders are gearing up after a demanding preseason,”
added Toprak Razgatlioglu, rookie World Superbike Champion.
The decision to hold the season launch in Kuala Lumpur underlines Southeast Asia’s increasing importance in MotoGP’s international calendar, as well as strengthening ties with key circuits and fan bases in the region. The event promises to offer an early glimpse of the competitive spirit and technological advances that will shape the 2026 season ahead.
