Bahrain to cover F1 fees for Sepang race, circuit chief says

Formula 1 and the FIA announced the move in July, following an agreement with the governments of Bahrain and Malaysia. The race will retain Bahrain’s name and Gulf Air sponsorship, despite taking place at Sepang International Circuit. Formula 1’s timetable lists a 56-lap race starting at 15:00 local time on Sunday 4 October. [2] [5]

Bahrain’s race had originally been due to take place on 10–12 April. In March, Formula 1 said the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix would not go ahead that month because of the situation in the Middle East. It announced no replacement races for April at the time. [7] [4]

The Bahrain name on a race outside Bahrain is unusual, but not without precedent. RacingNews365 points to the San Marino Grand Prix, which was held in Italy; Reuters also cites races named for Luxembourg and Switzerland that took place across their borders. Motorsport.com places more emphasis on the calendar and logistics behind the choice of Sepang. The reports agree on the venue and the event’s Bahrain identity. [1] [6] [7]

Sepang last hosted Formula 1 in 2017. This October’s scheduled race falls between the Grands Prix in Azerbaijan and Singapore. [6] [2]

Update

Sepang International Circuit chief executive Azhan Shafriman Hanif said Bahrain would cover the Formula 1 rights fees for the relocated race, which he put at US$70m–US$80m. Bernama reported his comments on 28 July. [8]

The Bahrain Grand Prix is scheduled for 2–4 October at Sepang, following the postponement of the original event amid the conflict in West Asia. Bahrain International Circuit said on 27 September that Gulf Air would remain the race’s title sponsor in Malaysia.