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 showcased at key city landmarks, including a prominent display in front of the Kuala Lumpur Tower, allowing fans and visitors to view the latest machines up close in an iconic setting. The exhibition attracted strong public interest, with many stopping to take photos and learn more about the teams and riders. Riders later gathered at the Permata Sapura Tower for a group photo shoot, framed by the Petronas Towers in the background, creating a striking visual that symbolised the global stature of the championship and its strong connection to Kuala Lumpur.
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. Among the standout participants were Honda LCR riders Johann Zarco and Diogo Moreira, both of whom attracted strong attention from fans during their demonstration runs and trackside appearances. Zarco, a two-time Moto2 world champion and multiple-time MotoGP race winner, showcased his experience and composure on the city circuit, while Moreira, widely regarded as one of the sport’s most promising young talents, continued to build on his reputation following his breakthrough performances and podium finishes in the junior categories. Their presence added further prestige to the showcase and reinforced Honda LCR’s competitive ambitions for the upcoming season.
After each demonstration lap, riders stepped onto a stage erected in front of the Suriya KLCC mall, where they interacted directly with fans through brief interviews, photo sessions, and autograph signings. The segment provided supporters with rare close-up access to their favourite riders, further strengthening the connection between the teams and the public while sustaining the lively atmosphere throughout the evening.
The launch also featured entertainment from a mix of local and international acts, including performances by Malaysian group DOLLA, DJ PAWSA, and British band The Script. Their appearances added to the spectacle and transformed the event into a full-scale urban festival, blending motorsport with live music and popular culture as night fell over the city centre.
This marked the second consecutive year MotoGP has staged a large-scale, centralised season launch following last year’s event in Bangkok, highlighting the championship’s expanding global footprint and its commitment to engaging fans beyond traditional race venues. Unlike other major international series, MotoGP continues to bring its entire grid together for a unified pre-season celebration, reinforcing its identity as a truly global and fan-focused championship.
Fans now turn their attention to the start of competitive action, with the 2026 season set to get underway at the Thailand Grand Prix later in February. The Kuala Lumpur launch has set an energetic tone for the year ahead, raising anticipation for what promises to be another highly competitive campaign.
