Sepang in Malaysia will host a Formula 1 race in October 2026, teams were told the news on Tuesday.

The race 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 no shortage of problems.

Organisers now face questions over whether the circuit can be ready in time after years of dragging their feet.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Sepang has been slow to bring back major international events, which is why eyes are now on the next few months.

If problems pop up before race weekend, organisers could still pull the plug, and Imola in Italy is lined up as the fallback if needed.

The October date marks a return for Southeast Asian motorsport, though the final stretch remains heavily dependent on progress.

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

Fans of Malaysian motorsport will be waiting for firmer news as the countdown to race day continues.