Zakirin
Sepang International Circuit (SIC) has reached 80% completion in its track and facility upgrade programme as preparations accelerate for the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix scheduled from 2 to 4 October 2026, marking the world championship’s return to Malaysia after a nine-year hiatus.
- Sepang International Circuit infrastructure and resurfacing works reach 80% readiness ahead of hosting the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix on 2 to 4 October 2026.
- The venue has been fully closed to public access since 7 September to facilitate comprehensive repairs across the racing surface, spectator facilities, sanitary blocks, and circuit amenities.
- Malaysian government commits up to RM16 million toward circuit capital improvements within a RM40 million co-funded operational budget with Bahrain, with no FIA sanction fee imposed on Malaysia.
The facility was placed under full closure to the public on 7 September 2026 to execute civil works, track repairs, and amenity overhauls required to satisfy Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and Formula One Management (FOM) circuit homologation and operational criteria. Beyond the asphalt track surface, maintenance teams are overhauling spectator grandstands, hospitality lounges, restroom blocks, and perimeter utility infrastructure.
Youth and Sports Minister Dr. Mohammed Taufiq Johari confirmed that as of 11 September 2026, site works are tracking on schedule at 80% completion. To coordinate track operations, crowd management, and venue logistics throughout the race weekend, a 500-member volunteer force has been mobilised and is undergoing operational training.
| Operational Parameter | Event Specification / Details |
| Official Event Title | Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2026 |
| Host Venue | Sepang International Circuit (SIC), Selangor, Malaysia |
| Scheduled Race Weekend | 2 to 4 October 2026 |
| Historical Context | First Formula 1 Grand Prix at Sepang in 9 years (last held in 2017) |
| Circuit Closure Status | Closed to public since 7 September 2026 (Reopening date to be announced) |
| Preparation Status | 80% completed as of 11 September 2026 |
| Total Event Budget | Estimated RM40 million (co-funded between Malaysia and Bahrain) |
| Malaysian Financial Commitment | Up to RM16 million (strictly allocated for circuit and facility upgrades) |
| FIA Sanction / Registration Fee | Exempt for Malaysia (absorbed under Bahrain Grand Prix agreement) |
| Workforce Mobilisation | 500 trained operational volunteers |
| Governance Structure | Main Committee, Technical Committee (weekly meetings), 8–9 operational sub-committees |
Inter-agency preparations are governed by a three-tier administrative architecture established to oversee delivery across eight to nine operational divisions: a Main Committee handling executive policy, a Technical Committee convening on a weekly schedule to monitor engineering compliance, and targeted sub-committees managing field logistics, security, and medical support.
According to figures previously outlined by SIC Chief Executive Officer Azhan Shafriman Hanif, the overall operating expenditure for the event is estimated at RM40 million, co-funded between the Malaysian and Bahraini governments. Under the hosting framework, Malaysia’s direct outlay is capped at approximately RM16 million dedicated entirely to circuit upgrades and infrastructure modernisation. Malaysia is not liable for commercial FIA race sanctioning or registration fees, which remain covered under Bahrain’s existing contractual rights agreement.
SIC management has stated that a definitive reopening date for the circuit to resume normal commercial track days and public activities will be announced following the conclusion of the Grand Prix weekend and final post-event de-rigging.
