Malaysia is poised to host a Formula 1 race in October as a substitute for the Bahrain Grand Prix, which was called off earlier this season because of the conflict in the Middle East.
The Sepang circuit, located near Kuala Lumpur and last featured on the calendar in 2017, is slated to stage the event on behalf of Bahrain from 2 to 4 October. That date places the race one week before the Singapore Grand Prix.
Organisers intend to present the competition as the Bahrain Grand Prix held in Malaysia. An official announcement is expected in the coming days, with the possibility of it being made as early as Sunday.
Formula 1 has arranged the substitution, but the customary sign‑off procedure—including approval from the FIA—has not yet been completed.
Both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia saw their April races postponed in March after the United States and Israel initiated military action against Iran. Although F1 had hoped to restore the Bahrain round in October, the looming logistical deadline and the absence of any indication that the conflict would end prompted the decision to relocate the event.
If Malaysia’s hosting is confirmed, the season will feature three successive weekends of competition: Azerbaijan, Malaysia and Singapore.