The roar of MotoGP engines at the iconic Sepang International Circuit looks set to continue well into the next decade. With the current hosting contract set to expire at the end of the 2026 season, Dorna Sports’ Chief Sporting Officer Carlos Ezpeleta has expressed high confidence that a new five-year deal is imminent.
Despite the official decision still pending, Ezpeleta revealed that negotiations are in the “final lap,” with the proposal now awaiting the green light from the Malaysian Cabinet.
Speaking on the sidelines of the recent 2026 Season Launch at the Petronas Twin Towers, Ezpeleta dispelled fears that Malaysia could lose its spot on the calendar.
“Discussions have been smooth and are almost complete,” Ezpeleta stated. “We are very optimistic that MotoGP will remain in Malaysia for another five years. We are just waiting for the formalization process.”
Since its debut in 1999, the PETRONAS Grand Prix of Malaysia has been a cornerstone of the championship, missing out only in 2020 and 2021 due to the global pandemic. As the pioneer of MotoGP in Southeast Asia, Sepang holds a special status within Dorna.
Ezpeleta emphasized that the vision for Sepang goes beyond the annual Grand Prix. The circuit is already the undisputed “Winter Home” of MotoGP, hosting the crucial Shakedown and Official Pre-Season Tests.
This year, the relationship deepened with Kuala Lumpur hosting the historic 2026 Season Launch, a first for the country. “We plan to strengthen MotoGP’s presence in Sepang more permanently throughout the year,” Ezpeleta added, hinting at further collaboration between the rights holder and the circuit.
Credit Photo : MotoGP
