Sepang in Malaysia will host a Formula 1 race in October 2026, plans were formally announced on Tuesday.

The deal 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 reviving the event comes with no shortage of problems.

Organisers are wrestling with questions over whether the circuit can be ready in time after years of limited upgrades.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Sepang has been dragging its heels over major international events, leaving some fans worried.

If the build goes wrong before race weekend, organisers have not ruled out cancellation, and Imola in Italy is waiting in the wings if needed.

The October date is seen as a reopening for Southeast Asian motorsport, though getting to the chequered flag remains tight.

Tickets and detailed schedules have not yet been released, and more concrete plans are expected in the months ahead.

Fans tracking the F1 calendar will be waiting for firmer news as the countdown to race day unfolds.