The MotoGP 2026 season launch will make its debut in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on February 7, turning the heart of the city into a center for racing excitement and fan celebration. This high-profile event follows the pre-season test at the Sepang Circuit and promises a unique blend of motorsport, entertainment, and cultural festivities, cementing Malaysia’s place as a key host for MotoGP’s ongoing growth in the region.
Kuala Lumpur Chosen as MotoGP’s Premier Launch Destination
MotoGP officials have announced that Kuala Lumpur will play host to the official season launch in 2026, just two days after pre-season testing at Sepang. The championship’s next group launch follows a similar event in Bangkok the previous year, with the 2026 event set to
“take over the iconic Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) and surrounding streets, transforming them into a vibrant hub of sport, entertainment, and culture.”
The choice of Kuala Lumpur celebrates the city’s reputation for energy and excitement while offering fans from across Southeast Asia unique access to the sport and its stars. Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta remarked,
“Kuala Lumpur is a city that embodies dynamism and excitement, making it the perfect stage for MotoGP’s season launch,”
– Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO, Dorna, underlining the significance of this Malaysian celebration.
Fan-Focused Activities and Interactive Experiences
A specially curated fan zone will be located within the KLCC Shopping Mall at the base of the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, open from February 2 to 7. Attendees will find
“interactive MotoGP showcases and experiences,”
providing direct engagement opportunities for local and international fans alike.
The main event kicks off on February 7, featuring a “Pit Box-style bike display” at the KLCC entrance, giving fans the chance to get close to the newest machines built for the 2026 season. The celebration aims to involve visitors throughout the day, blending motorsport with city life in Malaysia’s capital.
Spectacular Evening Showcase Under the Petronas Twin Towers
The festivities will crescendo with an evening event set from 19:00 to 22:30 beneath the Petronas Twin Towers. As described,
“The activity will culminate with an evening showcase that will start from 19:00 to 22:30 underneath the Petronas Twin Towers, combining an urban bike run, a main stage rider welcome, and live music entertainment against one of the world’s most iconic backdrops.”
This unique setting will blend urban city sights with MotoGP’s high-energy spectacle. Planned entertainment includes musical acts and celebrity appearances, which are set to be announced as the launch date draws closer. In addition, MotoGP fans can look forward to a main stage welcome for the riders, making the event accessible and memorable for all who attend.
Dorna’s CEO further affirmed the organization’s enthusiasm for the celebration, stating,
“We’re thrilled to bring this unique celebration to Malaysia and share the spirit of MotoGP with fans in Southeast Asia.”
– Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO, Dorna. The backdrop of the Petronas Twin Towers, however, may lead to creative branding solutions for teams, as none of the participating groups are sponsored by the building’s namesake oil company.
What Comes After the Launch
Following the Kuala Lumpur launch, MotoGP activities shift to Buriram, Thailand, for the concluding pre-season test sessions on February 21–22. The 2026 season’s opening serves not only as a spectacle but as a strategic engagement point for international and regional fans, integrating the city’s landmarks and culture with the championship’s global following.
By choosing Kuala Lumpur for the MotoGP 2026 season launch, organizers highlight the city’s growing importance in the world of motorsport, reinforce Malaysia’s status in the championship calendar, and continue expanding the sport’s reach in Southeast Asia.
