‘It’s happening in Malaysia’: Bahrain GP switch surprised race chief
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The Bahrain Grand Prix was unexpectedly moved to the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia for the 2026 season. The decision was made by Bahraini leadership to leverage the strong ties between the two nations and Malaysia's racing history.
Why it matters
This highlights the logistical and diplomatic flexibility required in international sports hosting and event management.
News ✕ ‘It’s happening in Malaysia’: Bahrain GP switch surprised race chief Bernama Published: Oct 3, 2026 4:09 PM The decision to stage the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang International Circuit (SIC) this year came as a complete surprise to Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) chief executive Sheikh Salman Isa Al Khalifa.
Sheikh Salman said he only learned of the plan during a phone call with Bahrain’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman Hamad Al Khalifa as he was leaving the 2026 Belgian GP at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in Stavelot, Belgium, last July.
Recalling how the race came to be held at Sepang, Sheikh Salman said...
The decision to stage the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang International Circuit (SIC) this year came as a complete surprise to Bahrain International Circuit chief executive Sheikh Salman Isa Al Khalifa.
Also covering this story
9 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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