Sepang in Malaysia will host a Formula 1 race in October 2026, officials confirmed on Tuesday.

The round replaces the cancelled Bahrain Grand Prix from earlier this year after unrest in the Gulf state ruled out the race.

Sepang has not staged an F1 race since 2017, and getting the circuit race-ready again comes with no shortage of problems.

Organisers are bracing for questions over whether the circuit can be sorted for October after years of limited upgrades.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Sepang has been dragging its heels over major international events, which has raised eyebrows among fans.

If problems pop up before race weekend, organisers reserves the right to cancel, and Imola in Italy is waiting in the wings if needed.

The October date is framed as a fresh start for Southeast Asian motorsport, though the last few months of prep remains tight.

Tickets and detailed schedules have not yet been released, and confirmed logistics are expected in the next phase.

Fans watching for updates will be keeping a close eye as the countdown to race day continues.