Regardless of informing groups weeks in the past that Singapore had been chosen because the venue for the launch of subsequent season’s MotoGP world championship, sequence promoter Dorna has relocated the occasion to Kuala Lumpur.
On the Monday following the Catalan Grand Prix, groups met in Montmelo with members of the organisation, who confirmed that the season launch would happen in Singapore — a format first launched this 12 months in Bangkok, which was effectively acquired by each groups and followers.
A number of workforce coordination departments had already begun making ready the journey from Sepang, the place the primary pre-season check of 2026 shall be held in early February, to Singapore — a journey of round 4 hours by highway.
Nevertheless, logistical and operational points have prompted Dorna to alter course and go for a extra conservative resolution: the occasion will now happen in Kuala Lumpur, lower than an hour from the Sepang circuit the place testing shall be held.
The scheduled dates stay unchanged, with actions deliberate for the night of 6 February and all through 7 February. This offers groups loads of time between the conclusion of testing on 5 February and the primary actions of the launch occasion.
Johann Zarco, Staff LCR Honda
Picture by: Dorna
The IRTA (Worldwide Street-Racing Groups Affiliation), which represents all of the buildings concerned within the championship, confirmed the change over the weekend, noting that the transfer will simplify issues for everybody concerned.
The Malaysian capital can also be a frequent selection for each groups and sponsors with regards to internet hosting occasions. In actual fact, Yamaha beforehand unveiled its revamped MotoGP challenge from the terrace of a luxurious resort within the metropolis, with the enduring Petronas Towers as a backdrop.
With this ultimate adjustment, the winter calendar is now absolutely set. It’s going to kick off in Sepang with the shakedown — reserved for check riders and rookies within the premier class — from 29 to 31 January. The official check will comply with on February 3–5, forward of the gala.
The second spherical of testing is scheduled for 21-22 February (Saturday and Sunday) on the Buriram circuit in Thailand, the place the championship will get underway the next week (1 March). This tight schedule will make it practically not possible for any modifications to the prototypes to be applied in time for the opening race.
