Formula One will return to Sepang, Malaysia this year for the first time since 2017.
It will, however, not be known as the Malaysian Grand Prix, but the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia.
The race is effectively a rescheduling of the March event that was cancelled along with the race in Saudi Arabia because of the conflict in the Middle East.
The event, which is subject to final agreements and official sign-off, will take place from October 2-4, between the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on September 26 and the nearby Singapore Grand Prix on October 11.
The news comes after an agreement between Formula One, the FIA and the governments of Bahrain and Malaysia. The race’s official title will be the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia.
The addition means the F1 season will consist of 23 races, assuming there are no further disruptions to planned races in the Middle East. That is just one fewer than the originally planned 24. Earlier this year the sport cancelled events in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia owing to the conflict between the United States and Iran, as attacks came across the region.
Given the continuation of hostilities in the area, there is doubt over the viability of the Qatar Grand Prix on November 29 and the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix the following week. F1 is believed to be exploring alternatives should these races be cancelled, with Imola a potential replacement.
The Malaysian Grand Prix was previously hosted at the Sepang International Circuit between 1999 and 2017 and has been mooted several times to return to the calendar, mostly when races have been cancelled.
F1 has organised grands prix with titles that do not match their location in the past. Most notably, the Luxembourg Grand Prix was held at the Nürburgring in Germany and the San Marino Grand Prix was held at Imola in Italy. None had quite the geographical separation – 3,700 miles – as F1’s return to Sepang, however.
Stefano Domenicali, the F1 president and chief executive, said: “This is fantastic news for our fans. They will continue to enjoy a full and exciting Formula One calendar, while also seeing the sport return to a great venue. Malaysia is an incredible country, and Sepang holds a special place in Formula One history.
“It will provide a spectacular setting for racing and an unforgettable experience for fans at the circuit and watching around the world.
“I would like to express our sincere thanks to his majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of Bahrain, his royal highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa and his majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, as well as their respective governments for making this extraordinary outcome possible through their vision, commitment, and decisive action.”