MotoGP held its second-ever season launch event in Kuala Lumpur this weekend, just a few weeks before the start of the 2026 season in Thailand. This special event marked the unofficial beginning of the new campaign, bringing all teams and riders together in Malaysia’s capital.
Originally planned for Singapore, logistical challenges led to the decision to host the launch in Kuala Lumpur following the Sepang pre-season test. The city has always been a popular choice for MotoGP events, with many teams revealing their bikes here in the past.
The event kicked off with bike displays at iconic landmarks like the Kuala Lumpur Tower and a photo opportunity for riders at the Permata Sapura Tower with the Petronas Towers in the background. The main event saw Kuala Lumpur’s city centre transformed into a street circuit, featuring dedicated garages for all teams and a spectacular night parade in front of the Petronas Towers.
Riders showcased their skills on the closed-off streets, with Ducati closing the show and various riders making special appearances or adjustments, like Quartararo being replaced by Fernandez and Gresini running solo with Marquez. The evening concluded with all riders returning to the stage for a final group photo next to the 2026 bikes, making it a memorable start to the season.
MotoGP stood out as the only major championship to hold a collective launch event this year, in contrast to Formula 1’s decision not to follow up on its 2025 London event, showcasing the sport’s commitment to fan engagement and excitement.
