Kuala Lumpur is now the favourite and most likely to host the official launch of the 2026 MotoGP season, with a similar event that was first tried last year in Bangkok. And even when the final decision from Dorna has not been made yet, the Malaysian capital appears to have the strongest support so far.

However, other venues like Melbourne have also been considered. But several practical issues make it a more difficult choice.

The idea of a big season launch was introduced in 2024 in Bangkok to help grow MotoGP’s popularity and to give different cities the chance to promote themselves. In Bangkok, nearly all riders, apart from world champion Jorge Martin, who had been injured during that time, gathered for an official photo in front of the temple. Later, at the city’s busy One Plaza shopping centre, riders met fans and rode through the streets on their motorbikes.

Kuala Lumpur has several advantages if it is chosen for 2026, including team launches, and has strong links with the sport. It is a destination easy to reach for teams and equipment, which helps with logistics. For example, Yamaha this year revealed the bike at the famous Petronas Towers.

The update for the season launch is not yet confirmed, and the schedule for pre-season testing is still being discussed. The teams will meet this Thursday at Red Bull Ring to finalise the plans. However, the 2026 calendar is already announced, leaving less flexibility.

If the pattern from recent years is followed, the first pre-season test should take place at Sepang in Kuala Lumpur in early February, just after the shakedown test. The second test would likely happen soon after that at Thailand’s Buriram circuit, which is expected to host the opening race of the season.

However, there is uncertainty in the region, as tensions have risen due to a recent border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia. In addition, local protests in Buriram have erupted after the Thai government cancelled 995 land titles, affecting millions of square metres, including land at the Chang International Circuit.

So if Kuala Lumpur is chosen, it would not only host pre-season testing, but also give MotoGP a thrilling season launch in the heart of Malaysia.