Sepang has done it again. The 2026 Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia drew 196,542 spectators over three days, a new attendance record for Sepang MotoGP. Ticket sales were the strongest since the pandemic, and the circuit came within touching distance of its 200,000-fan target.
A New Crowd Record at Sepang MotoGP
This year’s Sepang MotoGP weekend ran from 30 October to 1 November 2026 at Sepang International Circuit. Stadium Astro reported the three-day total of 196,542 fans, up from 190,977 in 2025 and 184,923 in 2024, according to The Star. The New Straits Times described it as the fourth consecutive year of record crowds.
MotoGP’s official account thanked fans directly: “Record Sepang crowd here to see the MalaysianGP! THANK YOU to every single one of you… terima kasih!”
5 Thrilling Highlights From the Weekend
1. Ticket Sales at a Post-Pandemic High
Sepang International Circuit (SIC) sold about 52,000 of the 56,000 tickets it made available, its best result since COVID-19, Bernama reported. SIC chief executive officer Azhan Shafriman Hanif said: “We came close to our target of 200,000 spectators.” He added that the circuit hopes to reach that figure next year.
2. Bigger Than Indonesia’s Mandalika Round
The Sepang MotoGP crowd was 38,667 larger than the 157,875 spectators recorded at the Indonesian Grand Prix in Mandalika in October, according to Stadium Astro. It underlines Sepang’s pull among motorsport fans in the region.
3. A Dominant Win for Marc Marquez
On race day, Marc Marquez of the Ducati Lenovo Team won by more than four seconds, Al Jazeera reported. He passed his brother Alex into the first corner, lost the lead briefly, then took it back when Alex ran wide. The victory moved him to 399 points, 44 clear in the championship with two rounds left.
4. A Podium Full of Drama
KTM’s Pedro Acosta, who had won Saturday’s sprint race, finished second after a long duel with Alex Marquez. Alex, riding for Gresini, started from pole position and completed the podium in third. Further back, Ai Ogura and Enea Bastianini made late passes to move ahead of Marco Bezzecchi.
5. Sepang MotoGP Is Secure Until 2031
Fans can look forward to many more Malaysian rounds. MotoGP will continue to race at Sepang from 2027 to 2031 after the Cabinet approved the renewal on 15 April 2026, as GPOne reported. MotoGP chief executive Carmelo Ezpeleta has called Malaysia an important market for the championship.
Why the Sepang MotoGP Crowds Keep Growing
The circuit is close to Kuala Lumpur and KLIA, which makes it easy for both local and international fans to attend. Malaysia also has a large, passionate motorcycling community, and SIC has been adding off-track entertainment, including a first pre-race music festival in 2025.
A crowd of this size brings real benefits beyond the circuit gates. Hotels, food vendors, transport operators and local businesses around Sepang and the Klang Valley all gain from the influx of visitors, much like the wider Visit Malaysia 2026 push. Strong attendance also helps Malaysia make the case for hosting more international sporting events.
What Comes Next
With 196,542 fans already through the gates this year, SIC’s 200,000 goal looks well within reach for the 2027 Sepang MotoGP. The championship itself heads to Qatar next, where Marc Marquez could seal the title.
At a Glance: 2026 Malaysian MotoGP
- Event: Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia 2026
- Dates: 30 October to 1 November 2026
- Venue: Sepang International Circuit, Selangor
- Attendance: 196,542 over three days (2025: 190,977)
- Tickets sold: About 52,000 of 56,000
- Race winner: Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team)
- Podium: Pedro Acosta (KTM) second, Alex Marquez (Gresini) third
- Hosting deal: Confirmed to 2031
For tickets, event news and the 2027 calendar, visit the Sepang International Circuit official website.
