Sepang in Malaysia will host a Formula 1 race in October 2026, officials confirmed on Tuesday.

The round replaces the cancelled Bahrain Grand Prix from earlier this year after instability in the region in the Gulf state prompted organisers to scrap it.

Sepang has not staged an F1 race since 2017, and reviving the event comes with no shortage of problems.

Organisers must deal with questions over whether the circuit can be brought up to standard after years of limited upgrades.

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

If problems pop up before race weekend, organisers can scrap the event altogether, and Imola in Italy is waiting in the wings if needed.

The October date signals a comeback for Southeast Asian motorsport, though the recovery period remains fragile.

Tickets and detailed schedules have not yet been released, and full details are expected in the coming weeks.

Fans of Malaysian motorsport will be keen to see if it really happens as the countdown to race day draws closer.