Half of F1 grid faces unknown as Sepang returns after nine-year absence
- Formula One returns to Sepang International Circuit this weekend for the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia after Liberty Media relocated the race from Sakhir due to the Iran war and Middle East situation.
- After a nine-year hiatus, the sport returns to the Malaysian venue that last hosted a race in 2017, when the Malaysian government ended hosting duties citing declining returns.
- Pirelli warned teams the surface remains "relatively abrasive" with roughness comparable to Bahrain; the 5.543-km circuit features long straights and high-speed corners over 56 laps.
- Only 10 of the 22 drivers have previously raced in Malaysia, leaving Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri among those learning the track for the first time.
- Heat and humidity make tyre management crucial while creating physical demands, and the ever-present threat of sudden rainfall could disrupt race strategies for teams like Mercedes, Ferrari, and Red Bull.
46 Articles
46 Articles
The Independent
The Independent (US)Why is Malaysia hosting the F1 Bahrain Grand Prix?
Round 16 takes place at the Sepang circuit in Kuala Lumpur, returning to the calendar after a nine-year absence
Watching the F1 in Sepang this weekend? KLIA urges visitors to ditch cars, use public transport
PUTRAJAYA, Oct 1 — Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is advising visitors attending the Formula 1 (F1) Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2026 at Sepang International Circuit...
Radio France Internationale
France24First-time Sepang F1 racers will master track 'from opening lap'
Formula One returns to Kuala Lumpur for the first time since 2017 for the Bahrain Grand Prix, in a one-off arrangement between the Malaysian government and Bahrain race organisers. The original April event was cancelled because of the conflict in the Middle East. About half of this season's drivers will arrive without having raced at Sepang since it was dropped from the calendar. Alex Yoong, who competed in the 2001 and 2002 F1 seasons, said the…
It'll be the 16th of this season, on a circuit that hasn't been running for nine years.
Motor racing-Half of F1 grid faces unknown as Sepang returns after nine-year absence
SEPANG, Malaysia, Sept 30 (Reuters) - Formula One is heading back to Malaysia's Sepang International Circuit after a nine-year hiatus this weekend, with more than half the drivers on the grid unfamiliar with a track that is hosting the rescheduled Bahrain Grand Prix.
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