MotoGP’s 2026 pre-season schedule is still up in the air – here’s why

The dates and venues for MotoGP’s 2026 pre-season tests remain undecided, with the delay stemming from uncertainty regarding the city that will host the season launch, Motorsport.com understands.

The calendar for the 2026 season was unveiled just over a month ago, featuring 22 grands prix including Brazil’s return as the second round.

After an inaugural event in Bangkok this year, the season launch format has been continued for 2026, with three candidate cities considered from the outset: Kuala Lumpur, Melbourne and Singapore.

The Malaysian capital is the preferred choice for most teams, largely for logistical and cost-saving reasons. Holding the event in Kuala Lumpur would be convenient given that pre-season testing is expected to begin at Sepang — just outside the city — in early February, immediately following the traditional “shakedown” sessions.

Miguel Oliveira, Pramac Racing, at Sepang

Photo by: Pramac Racing

Should Kuala Lumpur get the nod, a second round of testing could be held either in Thailand, which opens the season in early March, or again at Sepang, concentrating the entire pre-season near the Petronas Towers’ backdrop.

Melbourne, however, is also seen as an attractive option, though more complex. In this scenario, the launch would likely take place between the two test sessions. To avoid the risks and logistical headaches of shipping MotoGP machinery over such a long distance with short turnaround time, organisers might instead opt for show bikes rather than the actual race prototypes.

Singapore remains another possibility, offering some of the commercial and promotional appeal that Dorna, the championship promoter, has been keen to showcase.

At the Austrian GP, MotoGP teams met with representatives of IRTA (International Road-Racing Teams Association), though no concrete plan emerged.

Motorsport.com understands that the next key meeting — with Dorna officials also expected to attend — will be held at the Catalan GP at Barcelona, on 5-7 September. That gathering is likely to finalise both testing venues and dates.