Kuala Lumpur emerges as favorite to host 2026 MotoGP season launch


Kuala Lumpur has emerged because the frontrunner to host the 2026 MotoGP season launch, a format first launched forward of the 2025 season in Bangkok, Motorsport.com has discovered.

Whereas Dorna is but to announce its last determination, Motorsport.com understands that the Malaysian capital metropolis presently enjoys the broadest assist.

Another choice into account has been Melbourne, however numerous components make its choice extra difficult.

Dorna began its season launch presentation in Thailand’s capital this yr, with the intention of boosting the championship’s reputation and doubtlessly promoting the idea to different locations.

On that event, nearly the whole grid – with the notable absence of world champion Jorge Martin who was injured simply days earlier – posed for the official picture in entrance of a temple.

Later, at certainly one of Bangkok’s largest purchasing centres One Plaza, MotoGP hosted an occasion the place riders mingled with followers, paraded on street bikes, and fired up their MotoGP prototypes.

Fabio Quartararo, Yamaha Manufacturing facility Racing

Photograph by: Dorna

For the second version, Kuala Lumpur’s benefits embody logistical comfort and native experience, on condition that the town often hosts staff launches and maintains shut ties with MotoGP.

This yr alone, Yamaha unveiled its new venture – together with the manufacturing unit staff, new satellite tv for pc outfit Pramac and the overhaul to its MotoGP division – on the Petronas Towers.

The date for the season launch, in addition to the schedule for pre-season testing, are but to be finalised. Motorsport.com understands that groups are because of meet this Thursday on the Spielberg circuit for an IRTA assembly to stipulate the winter testing programme.

However there’s little room to manoeuvre given the congested 2026 MotoGP calendar. Based mostly on latest years, the primary spherical of testing is anticipated to happen in Sepang in Kuala Lumpur, in early February, proper after the shakedown take a look at.

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The second take a look at would observe just a few days later on the Buriram circuit, which may even host the season opener on the primary weekend of March.

Nonetheless, a lot will rely upon how the instability within the space evolves, following a latest border battle between Thailand and Cambodia.

A separate battle between the folks of Buriram and the Thai authorities has sparked a number of protests, triggered by the overturning of 995 land titles from native landowners masking an space of simply over 8 million sq. metres, together with the grounds of the Chang Worldwide Circuit which hosts the Thai GP.

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