KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia will continue to host the MotoGP™ World Championship for another five years after the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) announced the renewal of the Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix (MotoGP™ Malaysia) hosting agreement from 2027 to 2031.
Minister of Youth and Sports, Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari, said the contract extension had received Cabinet approval and reflects the Government’s commitment to ensuring Malaysia remains one of the world’s leading motorsport hubs.
Malaysia first hosted MotoGP™ in 1991 before the event moved to the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit (SIC) in 1999. Over more than three decades, MotoGP™ Malaysia has evolved into one of the nation’s most valuable sporting assets, elevating Malaysia’s profile on the international stage while serving as a catalyst for economic growth, industry development and motorsport talent cultivation.
According to Dr Mohammed Taufiq, the renewal goes beyond simply extending an international sporting event and represents a strategic national decision based on three key considerations.
Firstly, MotoGP™ Malaysia is regarded as a strategic national asset and investment that benefits sectors including tourism, hospitality, transportation and small and medium enterprises (SMEs). An economic impact study found that the 2024 edition generated approximately RM694 million in overall economic impact, created more than 4,400 job opportunities and delivered an estimated 6.3 times return on investment for the country.
Secondly, MotoGP™ Malaysia continues to strengthen the development of local motorsport talent and the broader ecosystem encompassing riders, technical personnel, sports management and technology. Through the Malaysian Motorsport Development (MDEV) programme, a more structured talent development pathway has produced rising stars such as Hakim Danish and Qabil Irfan, both of whom are making significant strides on the international stage.
Thirdly, the event delivers tangible economic benefits to Malaysians through employment opportunities, the growth of supporting industries and the involvement of local businesses throughout the year. Under the SIC Development Master Plan 2035, future developments at Sepang International Circuit have the potential to attract investments of up to RM1 billion and create more than 5,000 high-impact jobs.
Dr Mohammed Taufiq reiterated that the Government, through KBS, remains committed to strengthening Malaysia’s motorsport ecosystem and hopes that the renewed agreement will ensure the country remains a premier global motorsport destination while creating more economic opportunities, empowering talent development and producing more Malaysian motorsport champions in the years ahead.
