The IRTA confirms the shift to Malaysia’s capital city after logistical challenges, with the event now scheduled for February 6–7 following Sepang’s preseason test.
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MotoGP’s highly anticipated 2026 season launch event will no longer be held in Singapore, as originally planned. According to Motorsport.com, Dorna and the IRTA (International Road-Racing Teams Association) confirmed that the showcase will now take place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The change comes after logistical and operational challenges were identified in coordinating the four-hour transfer from Sepang, where the first preseason test runs from February 3 to 5, to Singapore. By moving the event closer to the Sepang International Circuit, teams will have a simpler transition and more time to prepare for the season.
Despite the venue change, the schedule remains the same, with launch activities set for the evening of February 6 and throughout February 7. This allows a full day’s gap between the end of testing and the start of the MotoGP launch program.
Kuala Lumpur, less than an hour from Sepang, has long been a favored destination for teams and sponsors alike. The city has hosted major MotoGP showcases before, including Yamaha’s iconic unveiling against the backdrop of the Petronas Towers.
The relocation highlights the city’s growing importance in the MotoGP calendar, especially as Southeast Asia continues to play a key role in the sport’s global expansion.
Following the launch, MotoGP will move on to its second round of testing at Thailand’s Buriram Circuit on February 21–22. The 2026 season officially kicks off on March 1 with the first race of the year.
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