Sepang in Malaysia will host a Formula 1 race in October 2026, plans were formally announced on Tuesday.

The race replaces the cancelled Bahrain Grand Prix from earlier this year after political tension in the Gulf state left the calendar with a gap.

Sepang has not staged an F1 race since 2017, and bringing it back comes with a long task list.

Organisers must deal with questions over whether the circuit can be prepared on schedule after years of dragging their feet.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Sepang has been dragging its heels over major international events, which is why eyes are now on the next few months.

If preparations stall before race weekend, organisers could still pull the plug, and Imola in Italy is kept ready as a backup if needed.

The October date is framed as a fresh start for Southeast Asian motorsport, though getting to the chequered flag remains unclear.

Tickets and detailed schedules have not yet been released, and official information are expected in the coming weeks.

Fans across the region will be watching closely as the countdown to race day draws closer.