# Motorsport events at Sepang International Circuit > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/motorsport-events-at-sepang-international-circuit > Updated: 2026-09-27T15:14:50.000Z. Sources: 40. Developments: 4. Racing activities at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia have expanded from local endurance events to the return of international motorsport. In late August 2026, the circuit hosted the ninth edition of the Malaysia Speed Festival (MSF) Merdeka Race. Following these local competitions, Formula 1 returned to the Sepang International Circuit from October 2 to 4, 2026, marking the first time the sport has been held in Malaysia since 2017. Tourism Malaysia Director Mohd Faharuddin Hatmin noted that the event serves as an opportunity to “elevate Malaysia’s profile as a premier travel destination.” To support the influx of international visitors, title sponsor Gulf Air announced the launch of direct flights between Bahrain and Kuala Lumpur on 29 September 2026. In an unprecedented development, the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix is scheduled to be held at the Sepang International Circuit on October 4, 2026. This relocation follows the postponement of original race dates in Sakhir and Jeddah due to ongoing conflict in the Middle East involving Iran, which created security concerns and airspace restrictions. Specifically, Iranian attacks on fuel facilities near the Bahrain International Circuit and regional airspace disruptions made hosting the event unsafe. Although the race is physically located in Malaysia, it will retain its official title as the “Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia.” The relocation was coordinated through an agreement between Formula 1, the FIA, and the governments of both Bahrain and Malaysia. The Bahraini government is reportedly covering nearly all organizational costs, including an estimated $70 million to $80 million registration fee to Liberty Media, while Malaysia will be responsible for half of the circuit preparation expenses. ## Claims - The Bahrain Grand Prix will be held at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia from October 2 to 4, 2026. (disputed by 6 sources) - Formula 1 and the FIA canceled the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix originally scheduled for April 2026. (disputed by 4 sources) - This marks the first time Formula 1 has returned to the Sepang International Circuit since 2017. (corroborated by 7 sources) - The cancellation was due to the conflict involving Iran, which included attacks on fuel facilities near the Bahrain International Circuit. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The event will retain the official name of the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Malaysia's Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) targets 300,000 visitors for the event, including 50,000 international tourists. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-27: Bahrain Grand Prix relocated to Malaysia's Sepang Circuit for 2026 The 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix will be held at Malaysia's Sepang International Circuit from October 2-4 due to security concerns and geopolitical conflict in the Middle East. 33 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bahrain-grand-prix-to-be-held-at-sepang-in-malaysia ### 2026-09-23: Sepang International Circuit hosts Formula 1 racing in Malaysia Formula 1 action returns to Malaysia's Sepang International Circuit, promoting regional motorsport excellence and tourism through major events and new flight connectivity via Gulf Air. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sepang-international-circuit-hosts-formula-1-racing-in-malaysia ### 2026-09-15: Formula 1 returns to Malaysia's Sepang International Circuit in 2026 Formula 1 returns to Malaysia's Sepang International Circuit in October 2026. Brands like KitKat and MINI Malaysia are launching promotional events and contests to celebrate the race weekend. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/formula-1-returns-to-malaysias-sepang-international-circuit-in-2026 ### 2026-08-24: MSF Merdeka Race returns to Sepang International Circuit The ninth MSF Merdeka Race returns to the Sepang International Circuit on August 29-30, featuring 111-lap car endurance races and superbike competitions. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/msf-merdeka-race-returns-to-sepang-international-circuit --- Cite as: Motorsport events at Sepang International Circuit. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/motorsport-events-at-sepang-international-circuit