Sepang in Malaysia will host a Formula 1 race in October 2026, organisers gave the green light on Tuesday.

The event replaces the cancelled Bahrain Grand Prix from earlier this year after security worries in the Gulf state forced the cancellation.

Sepang has not staged an F1 race since 2017, and bringing it back comes with its own set of challenges.

Organisers are wrestling with questions over whether the circuit can be brought up to standard after years of a tired facility.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Sepang has been reluctant to revive 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 the recovery period remains conditional on funding and work going to plan.

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

Fans in Southeast Asia will be waiting for firmer news as the countdown to race day ticks down.