Petronas’ continued role as MotoGP main sponsor up for discussion, says Zahid

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (centre) attends the MotoGP Casual Chat programme at Fifty Seven Coffee in Semenyih today, alongside former riders Wazi Abdul Hamid, Zulfahmi Khairuddin and Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman. — Bernama pic

First Published: Friday, 30 Oct 2026 9:31 AM MYT

BANGI, Oct 30 — The proposal to ensure that Petronas remains the main sponsor of MotoGP in the coming years will be discussed with the president and Group chief executive officer of Petronas, Tan Sri Tengku Muhammad Taufik Tengku Aziz.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said this after his meeting with MotoGP executive director Carmelo Ezpeleta, who expressed hope that Petronas would continue its involvement in the prestigious international motorcycle racing championship.

“I met Carmelo, and he offered Petronas the opportunity to continue as a sponsor of MotoGP. He told me this would be Petronas’ final year as an organiser; but in other countries, their national oil companies or local companies serve as sponsors.

“He wants Malaysia’s name to be synonymous with Petronas and MotoGP. I will meet Tan Sri Taufik to discuss this matter,” he said.

He told reporters this after attending the AZH Club-organised MotoGP Casual Chat Session, which brought together more than 3,000 motorsports fans.

Ahmad Zahid said that although sponsorship costs might be high, several alternative approaches could be explored to ensure Petronas remains MotoGP’s main organiser and sponsor in the coming years.

“Although the costs may be quite substantial, I believe there are several other ways to ensure that Petronas remains the main organiser and sponsor of MotoGP,” he said. — Bernama