SEPANG International Circuit (SIC) is 80 per cent ready to host the Formula One (F1) Bahrain Grand Prix next month, with repair and upgrading works progressing according to schedule.
Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari said the works, which began on Monday, were aimed at ensuring the prestigious race could be held smoothly while meeting the requirements of Formula One Management and the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA).
“Preparations for the event are now 80 per cent complete, while the 500 volunteers we recruited are being selected and trained.
“This is to ensure they are fully prepared for their duties during the F1 event. SIC has also been closed to the public as we are upgrading its facilities,” he said.
Mohammed Taufiq said he was satisfied with the progress, which was on schedule and meeting the requirements set by Formula One Management and the FIA.
Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar had previously said all relevant ministries and agencies had been instructed to expedite and facilitate any outstanding matters and approvals to ensure preparations for the race proceeded smoothly.
Malaysia will host the F1 Bahrain Grand Prix at SIC from Oct 2 to 4, marking the country’s return to the F1 calendar after a nine-year absence.
SIC previously hosted the Malaysian Grand Prix from 1999 to 2017 before the race was dropped from the F1 calendar amid rising hosting and licensing costs.
The return of the prestigious race to Malaysia followed diplomatic efforts involving His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia and Bahrain’s King Hamad Isa Al Khalifa. - September 11, 2026
