Sepang in Malaysia will host a Formula 1 race in October 2026, plans were formally announced on Tuesday.

The event replaces the cancelled Bahrain Grand Prix from earlier this year after security worries in the Gulf state left the calendar with a gap.

Sepang has not staged an F1 race since 2017, and reviving the event comes with no shortage of problems.

Organisers now face 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 slow to bring back major international events, leaving some fans worried.

If problems pop up before race weekend, organisers reserves the right to cancel, and Imola in Italy is waiting in the wings if needed.

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

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

Fans across the region will be keen to see if it really happens as the countdown to race day continues.