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 protests and disruption in the Gulf state ruled out the race.

Sepang has not staged an F1 race since 2017, and bringing it back comes with its own set of challenges.

Organisers are up against questions over whether the circuit can be sorted for October after years of a lack of investment.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Sepang has been hesitant to relaunch major international events, and that has put pressure on organisers.

If deadlines are missed before race weekend, organisers may call it off, and Imola in Italy is lined up as the fallback if needed.

The October date signals a comeback for Southeast Asian motorsport, though getting to the chequered flag remains heavily dependent on progress.

Tickets and detailed schedules have not yet been released, and confirmed logistics are expected in the build-up to the season.

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