Malaysian GP targeting new MotoGP deal

Sepang International Circuit aims to wrap up negotiations and sign a new contract with MotoGP’s rights holder Dorna for the Malaysian Grand Prix by the beginning of next year. 

The South East Asian nation has been a regular fixture on the MotoGP calendar since the early 1990s, with Shah Alam Circuit and Johar Bahru hosting the early rounds before the newly-built Sepang track made its debut in 1999.

The current two-year agreement between Sepang and Dorna expires after the 2026 race, with negotiations currently underway between the two parties for a new deal. Local media have reported that the circuit could face a hosting fee increase of up to 20%.

Sepang CEO Azhan Shafriman Hanif revealed that discussions with Dorna have been positive so far, and the circuit will soon submit a proposal to the Malaysian government for approval.

“At the moment, we are still in talks with Dorna. Also, we will table the paper to the cabinet soon for approval,” Shafriman told Autosport.

“I hope MotoGP can continue here in Malaysia, but of course, there are so many considerations that need to take place before we can come down and agree on the extension. Hopefully, by the early part of next year, we can put pen to paper on the contract.”

Race Start

Photo by: Shameem Fahath / Motorsport Network

A record 190,997 fans attended the 2025 Malaysian Grand Prix weekend, despite several road closures caused by the arrival of US President Donald Trump in Kuala Lumpur for the ASEAN Summit.

While MotoGP’s popularity has skyrocketed in the region in the last few years, Shafriman stressed that the event must deliver sufficient returns on investment to justify continued government support.

When asked about the challenges Sepang faces in getting the deal across the line, Shafriman said: “There are so many considerations. One of the things that we need to consider is basically the rights fee. And of course, the returns that it brings back to Malaysia. It's not small money that we are talking about here. 

“There are a lot of things that we need to do better in terms of tickets, travel and so on. There are so many things to resolve. And one of the main considerations is we need to ensure that the seats are full, so that the government sees this as an opportunity for us to bring in more tourists to Malaysia.”

Malaysia will have an expanded presence on the 2026 MotoGP schedule, with Kuala Lumpur hosting the season launch event ahead of the start of pre-season testing. Shafriman hopes that the event will further boost MotoGP’s profile in Malaysia.

“I'm looking forward to the MotoGP season launch next year, which will be happening from 6-7 February,” he said. “I hope the event can open up bigger markets to the fans that have not come here and experienced MotoGP. I hope Dorna and also the government, including us, can help to promote MotoGP better.”