Malaysia could join Formula 1 calendar as Bahrain hopes recede amid conflict in region
Malaysia’s Sepang circuit, which hosted F1 from 1999 to 2017, could replace a Middle Eastern race, possibly between Baku and Singapore stops
The Malaysian Grand Prix could return to the Formula 1 calendar as a stand-in this season as hopes of racing in Bahrain recede because of conflict in the region, informed sources said on Thursday.
April grands prix at Sakhir, Bahrain, and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, were both called off because of the Iran war, reducing the calendar initially from 24 to 22 grands prix, but attempts to reschedule a round in Bahrain had looked promising until the situation flared up again.
Multiple sources at the Hungarian Grand Prix said there were a number of replacement options being considered, with nothing decided, but Malaysia’s Sepang circuit was one of those on the list.
A likely slot would be between Baku on September 26 and Singapore on October 11.
Malaysia’s Youth and Sports Minister Mohammed Taufiq Johari confirmed on Friday the country was being considered as a replacement host, citing information received by the ministry and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
The ministry was carrying out detailed discussions and studies on the matter, Mohammed Taufiq said in a statement, adding that any further developments would be announced once finalised.