MotoGP gave fans a first real taste of the 2026 season with a large public event in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It was only the second time that the sport has brought every team and rider together for one shared season launch.

The event happened just weeks before the opening race in Thailand. After the success of last year’s launch in Bangkok, MotoGP decided once again to start the season in South East Asia, where the sport has a very strong fan base.

The original plan was to hold the event in Singapore. However, because teams had just finished testing at Sepang, travelling again in such a short time was not practical. Kuala Lumpur was close, well prepared, and already familiar to MotoGP teams, making it the best choice.

Activities began on Friday, shortly after the pre-season test ended. New MotoGP bikes for 2026 were placed around famous parts of the city, giving fans and tourists the chance to see them for free. One of the most popular spots was near the Kuala Lumpur Tower, a landmark that can be seen from almost anywhere in the city.

That evening, all riders met at a rooftop location for official photos. With the Petronas Towers in the background, the images quickly became a highlight of the launch and were shared widely by MotoGP and the teams.

Saturday night was the main attraction. Streets near the Petronas Towers were closed and turned into a short riding route. Temporary team areas were built, including garages and a simple pit lane, so riders could safely take part.

As darkness fell, the riders went out one by one. Instead of racing, they focused on show riding, lifting the front wheel and braking hard to entertain the crowd. Teams appeared based on last year’s championship order, with the reigning champions taking the final run.

Most riders were present, including Jorge Martin, who returned after missing testing due to surgery. Fabio Quartararo could not ride because of injury, so Yamaha used Augusto Fernandez instead. Gresini only ran one bike, with Alex Marquez representing the team on his own.

After riding, each competitor walked onto a large stage set up next to a shopping centre at the base of the Petronas Towers. Riders spoke directly to fans, thanked them for coming, and stayed behind to sign autographs and take photos.

MotoGP also used the event to speak with team leaders and key figures. Among them was Guenther Steiner, who has recently joined the Tech3 team as a co-owner, bringing experience from outside MotoGP.

Live music played an important role in the evening. Local and international artists performed between riding sessions, helping turn the launch into a full city festival rather than just a motorsport event.

The night ended with all riders returning to the stage together, standing beside their 2026 machines for a final photo. It marked the official start of a new MotoGP season.

This kind of launch is still rare in world motorsport. MotoGP was the only major championship to organise a shared season opening this year, showing its growing focus on fans and live experiences.

With the launch complete, teams now prepare for the first race in Thailand, where the real fight for the 2026 title will begin.