MotoGP takes over downtown Kuala Lumpur in glitzy season launch

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 7 : MotoGP launched its new season in a glittery showcase in Malaysia on Saturday, with riders parading their bikes in front of thousands of fans outside the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur.

A late downpour threatened to derail the show but the rain stopped just in time to allow the riders - including seven-time world champion Marc Marquez - to take celebratory laps and perform stoppies, drifts and other tricks in the city's streets.

The 2026 racing calendar is set to kick off with the Thailand Grand Prix on February 27. 

Ducati's Marquez was in good spirits ahead of the season, saying he felt no pressure after winning last year's championship - his first world title since 2019 - in a stunning career comeback.  

"I don't feel pressure. Because the most challenging thing in my career, that was to come back from injury, I've already done," the Spanish rider told reporters.

"Of course, I will try to do my 100 per cent. Of course, I will try to fight for the championship ... But I feel super relaxed and happy." 

DECISION ON MALAYSIA CONTRACT RENEWAL SOON

The Kuala Lumpur showcase was the second time MotoGP has held a season launch, after an inaugural event in Bangkok last year. 

MotoGP Chief Sporting Officer Carlos Ezpeleta said the spectacle reflected the sport's growing popularity, which has seen a 15 per cent rise in fandom globally.

"It's a true upgrade from last year ... you know, just proving to the world the investment that we're putting behind growing our fanbase and taking MotoGP to new audiences," he told Reuters. 

Malaysia has hosted a leg of the championship at its Sepang International Circuit since 1999. 

The government however has yet to decide on whether to renew a contract with MotoGP amid a rise