KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia will continue to host the Motorcycle Grand Prix (MotoGP) until 2031 after the government approved a new five-year agreement, reinforcing the country’s position as one of the world’s premier motorsport destinations.
Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari said the Cabinet had approved the extension, which will take effect from 2027 after the current hosting agreement expires at the end of this year.
He said the renewed contract reflects the government’s long-term commitment to ensuring Malaysia remains competitive on the global motorsport stage while unlocking wider economic and industry benefits.
“This renewal is not merely an extension of an international sporting event, but a strategic government decision to ensure Malaysia remains relevant and competitive as a global motorsport hub,” he told reporters during the announcement ceremony at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) today.
Taufiq said the contract extension forms part of the government’s broader strategy to strengthen Malaysia’s motorsport ecosystem while creating economic opportunities through the hosting of world-class sporting events.
“Malaysia MotoGP is a strategic national asset and investment that benefits the tourism, hospitality, transportation and small and medium enterprise (SME) sectors.
“An economic impact study showed that the 2024 edition generated an overall economic impact of about RM694 million, created more than 4,400 job opportunities and delivered a return on investment of around 6.3 times for the country,” he said.
Beyond its economic contribution, the minister said the annual race also plays a key role in nurturing Malaysian motorsport talent and strengthening the country’s technical expertise in the industry.
“Through the Malaysian Motorsport Development (MDEV) programme, a more structured talent development pathway has produced riders such as Hakim Danish and Qabil Irfan, who are making their mark on the international stage,” he said.
Malaysia first hosted the MotoGP in 1991 before the event moved to the Sepang International Circuit in 1999, where it has since become one of the championship’s most established venues.
The Minister added that the renewed hosting rights must be fully utilised to accelerate the development of Malaysian riders capable of competing consistently at the highest level.
“We are providing various facilities at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) to ensure our riders receive adequate training. We will monitor their preparations and ensure they maintain consistency throughout the five-year period. Their performances cannot fluctuate but must continue to improve over time.
“We also hope the MotoGP will not only generate an impact during the few days of the race weekend, but will serve as a long-term investment capable of producing more riders through the various development programmes implemented throughout the hosting period,” he said. – July 1, 2026