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

The event replaces the cancelled Bahrain Grand Prix from earlier this year after protests and disruption in the Gulf state forced the cancellation.

Sepang has not staged an F1 race since 2017, and returning Grand Prix racing comes with a long task list.

Organisers are bracing for questions over whether the circuit can be ready in time after years of a lack of investment.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Sepang has been dragging its heels over major international events, and that has put pressure on organisers.

If preparations stall before race weekend, organisers can scrap the event altogether, and Imola in Italy is lined up as the fallback if needed.

The October date signals a comeback for Southeast Asian motorsport, though the recovery period remains unclear.

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

Fans in Southeast Asia will be watching closely as the countdown to race day gets tighter.