Kuala Lumpur hosts a historic MotoGP season launch, transforming the city centre into a street circuit ahead of the 2026 championship opener in Thailand.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Petronas Twin Towers esplanade was transformed into a temporary street circuit for the official launch of the 2026 MotoGP season, last night.
Thousands of fans gathered in the heart of the federal capital for the historic event, the first time the global championship has launched its season in Malaysia.
The festival-like event featured a parade of 20 elite riders along a 1.5-kilometre temporary circuit on closed roads surrounding the iconic towers.
Reigning world champion Marc Marquez, his brother Alex Marquez, and two-time champion Francesco Bagnaia were among the stars showcasing their high-performance machines.
Spectators were treated to demonstration rides, including motorcycle “stoppies”, despite a light shower during the evening.
The launch also served as the official unveiling of the 2026 rider line-ups and team liveries for the upcoming campaign.
Entertainment was provided by performances from Irish pop rock band The Script, DJ Pawsa and local pop group DOLLA.
The 2026 MotoGP season will officially begin with the Thailand Grand Prix at the Chang International Circuit from February 27 to March 1.
Teams will head to Buriram, Thailand, for a final pre-season test scheduled for February 21 to 22.
The championship will return to Malaysia for the Malaysian Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit from October 30 to November 1.
