[REVISION HISTORY]

Motorsport events at Sepang International Circuit

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2026-09-28 22:29 UTC → 2026-09-29 06:35 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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. Economic projections suggest the event could generate approximately RM 1.3 billion through sports tourism and foreign spending, with Malaysian authorities targeting an attendance of roughly 300,000 visitors, including 50,000 international tourists.

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