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

The fixture replaces the cancelled Bahrain Grand Prix from earlier this year after security worries in the Gulf state prompted organisers to scrap it.

Sepang has not staged an F1 race since 2017, and bringing it back comes with a long task list.

Organisers now face questions over whether the circuit can be finished before race week after years of a lack of investment.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Sepang has been hesitant to relaunch major international events, which has raised eyebrows among fans.

If deadlines are missed before race weekend, organisers could still pull the plug, and Imola in Italy is kept ready as a backup if needed.

The October date signals a comeback for Southeast Asian motorsport, though getting to the chequered flag remains unclear.

Tickets and detailed schedules have not yet been released, and a proper timetable are expected in the lead-up to October.

Fans watching for updates will be keeping a close eye as the countdown to race day ticks down.