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

The race replaces the cancelled Bahrain Grand Prix from earlier this year after unrest in the Gulf state forced the cancellation.

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

Organisers must deal with questions over whether the circuit can be finished before race week after years of dragging their feet.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Sepang has been dragging its heels over major international events, and that has put pressure on organisers.

If deadlines are missed before race weekend, organisers may call it off, and Imola in Italy is sitting on standby if needed.

The October date sees the circuit step back in for Southeast Asian motorsport, though getting to the chequered flag remains unclear.

Tickets and detailed schedules have not yet been released, and more concrete plans are expected in the lead-up to October.

Fans in Southeast Asia will be keen to see if it really happens as the countdown to race day gets tighter.