Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Ready for Malaysian GP Return at Sepang

Fabio Quartararo and Álex Rins are aiming to bounce back at the Sepang International Circuit as the 2026 MotoGP season resumes following the cancelled Australian Grand Prix.

Subscribe to our Instagram channel for the latest info and news!

Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP heads to the Sepang International Circuit this weekend determined to return to racing action after last Sunday’s Australian Grand Prix at Phillip Island was cancelled. The Malaysian Grand Prix marks Round 19 of the 2026 MotoGP World Championship, with Fabio Quartararo and Álex Rins looking to make the most of a circuit that has delivered strong results for both riders in the past.

After an unexpected break in the championship, Yamaha arrives in Malaysia eager to gather valuable points and continue developing its MotoGP package on one of the calendar’s most demanding circuits.

Quartararo Returns to a Familiar Hunting Ground

Fabio Quartararo currently sits 15th in the MotoGP riders’ standings and will be hoping Sepang can provide an opportunity to climb higher in the championship.

The Frenchman has enjoyed several competitive weekends at the Malaysian circuit throughout his Grand Prix career. Since making his first appearance at Sepang in Moto3 in 2016, Quartararo has consistently finished inside the top seven whenever he completed a full-length race at the venue.

His best MotoGP result at Sepang came in 2022 when he secured a third-place finish despite riding with a hand injury sustained earlier that weekend. He also narrowly missed the podium with fifth-place finishes in 2018, 2023, and 2025. Looking ahead to the weekend, Quartararo is optimistic about returning to one of his favourite circuits.

“I’m happy to be back in Sepang. It’s a track that I enjoy, and normally the racing there is always interesting. The bike has changed since last year, so it will be important to see where we stand as quickly as possible on Friday. After what happened in Australia, everyone is looking forward to getting back on track and racing again. The Malaysian fans are always very passionate, and I’m excited to see them this weekend.”

Rins Looking to Reward Malaysian Fans

Álex Rins heads into the Malaysian Grand Prix occupying 20th place in the championship standings. Like his teammate, the Spaniard was disappointed that the Phillip Island race could not go ahead and is determined to deliver an exciting weekend for fans at Sepang.

Rins has previously enjoyed success at the Malaysian circuit, claiming second place in Moto3 in 2013, third in 2014, and another runner-up finish in the MotoGP class in 2018. He believes Sepang’s layout suits his riding style and is eager to begin the weekend.

“I’m really looking forward to racing in Sepang. After Phillip Island, all we want is to get back on the bike and put on a good show for the fans – for sure they were all disappointed last weekend. I’ve always enjoyed this track, and I’ve had some good results here in the past. The conditions can be quite tough because of the heat and humidity, but that’s part of the challenge. We’ll work hard from the first session, try to find a good feeling with the bike, and see what we can achieve during the weekend.”

Yamaha Confident Ahead of Sepang Challenge

Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team Director Massimo Meregalli believes Sepang could provide a useful benchmark for the team’s progress. While Yamaha has previously tested at the Malaysian circuit, he noted that the YZR-M1 has continued to evolve since then.

Meregalli also highlighted the physical demands of racing in Malaysia, where high temperatures and humidity regularly test both riders and machines.

“After an unusual end to the Australian GP weekend, our focus is now fully on Sepang. Historically, this circuit has often suited our package, and it is a track where both Fabio and Álex have achieved strong results in the past. We also have valuable reference data from our previous testing here, although the bike has continued to evolve since then. Sepang is always a demanding venue because of the heat, humidity, and the physical nature of the layout, but it also provides a good benchmark to assess performance. We are motivated to make the most of this weekend.”

Sepang Remains One of MotoGP’s Toughest Tests

Since hosting its first Grand Prix in 1999, the Sepang International Circuit has become one of MotoGP’s most iconic venues. The 5.54 km circuit features five left-hand corners, ten right-hand turns, and two long straights, including a 920-metre back straight that regularly produces thrilling overtaking battles.

Combined with Malaysia’s hot and humid climate, Sepang remains one of the most physically demanding races of the MotoGP season. As Round 19 gets underway, Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP will be aiming to turn promising past performances into valuable championship points before the season enters its final stretch.