Singapore will serve as the host city for the MotoGP 2026 season launch, marking a significant change for the series, Motorsport.com has reported. The city-state was chosen by Dorna and all 11 participating teams to replace Bangkok as the official location for the collective season presentation, scheduled for February 6-7, 2026.
Details of the Launch and Testing Schedule Confirmed
The MotoGP 2026 season launch in Singapore will follow two days of official events and presentations, held from February 6 to 7. This decision influenced the timing of the pre-season testing, with the first official test set for February 2-4 at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia. Before these tests, rookies and test riders will participate in the Shakedown session at the same venue. After testing, several team trucks will travel approximately four hours to Singapore to prepare for the launch day.
Factors Influencing Venue Choice and Logistics
Singapore was selected over Kuala Lumpur and Melbourne, the other contenders for hosting the launch. While it offers fewer logistical advantages than Kuala Lumpur, Singapore is considerably more accessible for teams than Melbourne, which posed significant resource challenges. These considerations were finalized during recent meetings in Barcelona.
Upcoming Testing Plans and Impact on Teams
The timing and location of the second pre-season test have yet to be decided. Options include moving directly to Buriram, the site of the season opener on March 1, or scheduling it about ten days later. Delaying the test could ease financial pressures on smaller teams, while an earlier date might complicate last-minute bike updates.
Significance of Liberty Media’s Role in the Launch
This MotoGP 2026 launch will be the first managed under Liberty Media, the new owner of Dorna, which also controls Formula 1 commercial rights. Liberty Media organized a central F1 launch event in London earlier this year, though F1 teams will return to individual launches in 2026. The move to use Singapore as the MotoGP launch venue reflects Liberty’s influence on the sport’s commercial strategies.
“Johann Zarco, Team LCR Honda”
