KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — MotoGP delivered a vibrant and memorable season launch event in downtown Kuala Lumpur on February 6 and 7, officially marking the start of the championship build-up ahead of the 2026 season. The celebration drew large crowds and featured a mix of motorcycle displays, rider run-throughs and live entertainment in one of the sport’s most high-profile urban settings.
Organisers closed major roads around the Kuala Lumpur City Centre to turn the heart of the city into a temporary street circuit. Garages for all 11 MotoGP teams were set up near the Petronas Twin Towers, and riders used the stretch of road to perform exhibition laps in a show run before spectators lining the streets.
Ahead of the main event, all 2026 season bikes were displayed at key city landmarks, including in front of the Kuala Lumpur Tower. Riders then gathered at the Permata Sapura Tower for a group photo shoot with the Petronas Towers in the background.
On Saturday evening, riders took to the city streets in order from the previous season’s standings, with teams such as Pramac and LCR going first and Ducati closing the on-road activity. Several notable riders were present, although 2021 world champion Fabio Quartararo and rookie Fermin Aldeguer missed the show run due to injury, with Yamaha bringing in Augusto Fernandez as a stand-in.
After each demonstration lap, riders stepped onto a stage erected in front of the Suriya KLCC mall to address fans, take photos and sign autographs.
The launch also featured entertainment from local and international acts, including performances by Malaysian group DOLLA, DJ PAWSA and British band The Script, giving the event a festival-like atmosphere as night fell.
This marks the second year MotoGP has staged a large-scale, centralised season launch following last year’s event in Bangkok, and underscores the series’ growing global appeal. Unlike other major championships, MotoGP continues to bring its full grid together for a collective pre-season celebration.
Fans need not wait long for competitive action. The 2026 season will officially begin with the Thailand Grand Prix later in February.
