Malaysia is reportedly being considered as a potential replacement venue for the Bahrain Grand Prix amid ongoing regional tensions.
Formula One could make a surprise return to Malaysia, with the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) being considered as a possible venue for a replacement race later this year.
The Ministry of Youth and Sports is currently holding discussions and assessing the possibility after receiving preliminary information that Malaysia could host the event if the Bahrain Grand Prix cannot go ahead.
Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari said Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and the ministry had received early information about the proposal.
“The Prime Minister and the Ministry of Youth and Sports have received preliminary information regarding the possibility of hosting a Formula One race at the Sepang International Circuit as a replacement for the Bahrain Grand Prix,” he said.
He added that the ministry is actively evaluating the proposal, with further developments to be announced once a decision has been finalised.
Why is Malaysia being considered?
The possibility comes as F1 continues to explore contingency plans for its calendar amid uncertainty surrounding races in the Middle East due to the ongoing regional conflict.
According to reports, F1 is looking for a potential replacement race between the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on September 26 and the Singapore Grand Prix on October 11.
Malaysia and Turkey are reportedly among the potential venues being considered, with a possible race date of October 4.
Malaysia last hosted F1 in 2017
If confirmed, the race would mark F1’s return to Malaysia after an eight-year absence.
Sepang hosted the Malaysian Grand Prix from 1999 to 2017, before the race was dropped from the calendar due to rising hosting and licensing costs, as well as declining attendance.
However, SIC has retained its FIA Grade 1 licence, allowing it to host the highest level of international motorsport, and continues to host major events including MotoGP.
For now, no final decision has been made.
F1 is expected to assess its options and could make a decision during the mid-season break before the championship resumes later in August.
Could we see F1 cars back at Sepang this October?
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