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

The round replaces the cancelled Bahrain Grand Prix from earlier this year after political tension in the Gulf state forced the cancellation.

Sepang has not staged an F1 race since 2017, and preparing the track again comes with a long task list.

Organisers are wrestling with questions over whether the circuit can be prepared on schedule after years of a tired facility.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Sepang has been hesitant to relaunch major international events, and that has put pressure on organisers.

If problems pop up before race weekend, organisers may call it off, and Imola in Italy is waiting in the wings if needed.

The October date sees the circuit step back in for Southeast Asian motorsport, though the road to race day remains unclear.

Tickets and detailed schedules have not yet been released, and a proper timetable are expected in the months ahead.

Fans tracking the F1 calendar will be keen to see if it really happens as the countdown to race day draws closer.