BBC & ESPN Report: Sepang Set To Host F1 Oct 2–4 Ahead Of PMX Statement Today

Sepang International Circuit during the 2011 Malaysian GP. (Photo: Nik Aizu / CC BY 2.0)

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is expected to make an official update soon regarding Malaysia's potential return to Formula 1. However, a report by BBC Sport confirms that arrangements are in advanced stages for the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) to stage a race from October 2–4.

According to the report, Sepang is stepping in as an emergency replacement venue for the postponed Bahrain GP, with the event set to be hosted under the Bahrain Grand Prix name. The addition slots tightly between Azerbaijan and Singapore to form an autumn Asian triple-header. While local fans await official government and FIA ratification, Formula 1 management is finalizing plans to bring pinnacle motorsport back to Malaysia for the first time since 2017.

1. Why Sepang Is Replacing Bahrain

Sebastian Vettel celebrates winning the 2012 Bahrain Grand Prix. (Photo: F Algosaibi / CC BY 2.0)

Ongoing regional disruptions in the Middle East forced Formula 1 management to re-evaluate its 2026 calendar options. Staging at least 21 races per season is a critical threshold for F1 to meet global broadcasting and sponsorship contracts.

Read: 5 Reasons Why Sepang Was Secretly One Of The Best Tracks On The F1 Calendar (And Why Drivers Miss It)

Sepang emerged as the top candidate over alternative tracks like Turkey's Istanbul Park and Portugal's Portimão due to its FIA Grade 1 status, active hosting of international events like MotoGP, and strategic proximity to Singapore.

2. An Epic Asian Triple-Header

If formally ratified by the FIA World Motor Sport Council, the revised autumn schedule will create a grueling three-week stretch:

• September 24-26: Azerbaijan Grand Prix (Baku Street Circuit)
• October 2–4: Formula 1 Grand Prix of Malaysia (Sepang International Circuit)
• October 9–11: Singapore Grand Prix (Marina Bay Street Circuit)

This compressed schedule minimizes freight transfer times across Asia while keeping the 2026 championship momentum alive.

Daniel Ricciardo locking up his front left tire under heavy braking at the 2014 Malaysian Grand Prix. (Photo credit: Chi Hang Ong / CC BY-SA 3.0)