MotoGP 2026 season kicks off with star-studded Kuala Lumpur event

Set to the backdrop of the world-famous Petronas Twin Towers, the bikes and riders showcased their new machinery as well as few tricks on a rather wet street track as thousands of fans watched on both in-person and via an official livesteam.

The event also had famous musicians in attendances with performances from The Script, DJ PAWSA and Malaysian girl group Dolla.

All the riders and teams were in attendance with the exception of Yamaha's Fabio Quartararo who is currently out through injury, which he sustained during the pre-season Sepang test last week.

The rest of the grid were in good spirits as they met fans for the first time this year ahead of the season's opening round in Buriram, Thailand on 27 Februar - 1 March.

Reigning champion Marc Marquez will be looking to fend off challenges from his Ducati teammate Francesco Bagnaia, as well as from his younger brother, Alex Marquez, who finished 2nd in the overall standings last year aboard his Gresini machinery.

Elsewhere, Aprilia will be looking to improve upon a positive 2025 season and have shown faith in their Italian rider Marco Bezzecchi by extending his contract with a multi-year deal. His teammate, Jorge Martin, will be looking to bounce back from an injury-plagued 2025 with a solid showing in the coming season.

The crowd also welcomed the three-time World Suberbike champion Toprak Razgatlioglu to MotoGP for the first time as he lines up alongside Jack Miller at Yamaha's Pramac satellite team.

There was also plenty of excitement around Red Bull KTM this season and their Tech3 team who welcomed Guenther Steiner as a co-owner in the orange and navy blue colours for the first time.

Check out the full calendar for the coming 2026 MotoGP season here.

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