Brief
Malaysia to host Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang on ten‑week notice
The Bahrain Grand Prix will be run in Malaysia’s Sepang circuit after a last‑minute deal following the April cancellation of the original Bahrain event.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Malaysia’s Sepang International Circuit will host a one‑off Bahrain Grand Prix this weekend, ten weeks after the agreement was announced, according to the Independent.
What happened
The original Bahrain Grand Prix, scheduled for early April at the Bahrain International Circuit, was cancelled alongside the Saudi Arabian round. In July, Bahrain’s sovereign‑wealth‑backed organisers approached Malaysia to relocate the race to Sepang, 4,000 miles southeast. Formal approval came in late July, giving organisers just ten weeks to prepare for a three‑day event expected to draw about 200,000 spectators.
What the reports add
The Independent notes that the move reflects a “mega‑boom” in Formula 1’s commercial appeal since Liberty Media’s 2017 takeover, which has prompted many countries to seek a place on the calendar. It also highlights that Bahrain’s sovereign wealth fund owns a majority stake in the McLaren F1 team, underscoring the nation’s deep ties to the sport. The article cites a quote from Sheikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, chief executive of the Bahrain International Circuit, who told Sky Sports that the strong relationship between Bahrain and Malaysia made the switch sensible.
What was said
“It makes sense because the relationship between Bahrain and Malaysia has been strong,” Sheikh Salman said to Sky Sports, according to the Independent. Earlier, Razlan Razali, former CEO of Sepang, had warned in 2017 that hosting a race was “not worth the investment at the moment” because of low ticket sales, but the article suggests the current commercial climate has changed.
How it came about
Malaysia ended its 18‑year partnership with Formula 1 in 2017, the same year Liberty Media bought the sport. Since then, the series has expanded, and several Asian nations have vied for a slot. Bahrain, a long‑standing host since 2004, sought to keep its race on the calendar after the April cancellation, ultimately turning to Sepang as a viable alternative.
Key facts
- Sepang will host a one‑off Bahrain Grand Prix this weekend on ten‑week notice. (independent.co.uk)
- The event is expected to attract around 200,000 spectators over three days. (independent.co.uk)
- Sheikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa said the strong Bahrain‑Malaysia relationship made the move sensible. (independent.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “How Malaysia stepped in to host Bahrain GP and fill F1 void with 10 weeks notice”
