Bahrain’s motorsport experience, culture and heritage take centre stage at Sepang International Circuit

The Kingdom of Bahrain is set to bring the Bahrain Grand Prix experience to Malaysia as the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia 2026 takes place from 2 to 4 October at Sepang International Circuit (SIC).

The race provides an opportunity to introduce the Kingdom of Bahrain and its Grand Prix to a new audience of motorsport fans in Asia, while showcasing Bahrain’s tourism and cultural offerings and its longstanding experience in hosting and organising Formula 1 events.

As part of preparations for the race, Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) and the Bahrain Motor Federation (BMF) are working alongside their Malaysian counterparts to organise and manage the event. Together with the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) and Gulf Air, they will deliver a range of activities and experiences reflecting Bahrain’s culture, heritage and hospitality.

A total of 561 Bahraini marshals and BMF officials, alongside BIC staff, will support race operations in cooperation with Sepang International Circuit, the Motorsports Association of Malaysia, Formula 1 and the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA).

Following the conclusion of the 56-lap race on Sunday, the winner will be presented with the Bahrain Grand Prix trophy, which has travelled from Sakhir to Sepang for the occasion. Second- and third-place trophies, as well as the winning constructor’s trophy, will also be presented, with all four trophies specially engraved to mark the staging of Bahrain’s Formula 1 race in Malaysia.

The podium ceremony will also feature one of the traditions associated with the Bahrain Grand Prix, with the top three drivers and a representative of the winning team celebrating with traditional Bahraini rosewater, continuing the custom seen on the podium at BIC.

Ahead of the race, Gulf Air will conduct a flypast over Sepang International Circuit, continuing a tradition that has accompanied the Bahrain Grand Prix since its inception.

Away from the track, BTEA will organise the Bahrain Village in the fan zone at Sepang International Circuit, offering visitors an experience highlighting aspects of Bahrain’s culture and heritage, including its music, cuisine, traditions and crafts.

The Bahrain Village will also showcase the Kingdom’s contemporary character through the participation of local food and beverage brands, giving race-goers an opportunity to experience Bahraini flavours and the diversity of the Kingdom’s culinary scene.

Other activities will include BIC’s traditional welcome barbecue for Formula 1 teams on Wednesday evening in the Sepang paddock. BIC teams will also welcome international fans and guests arriving at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, reflecting Bahrain’s culture of hospitality and warm welcome.

Together, the activities will offer race-goers an experience that brings together motorsport, culture, heritage and hospitality, reflecting key elements of the Bahrain Grand Prix experience as the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia 2026 takes place at Sepang International Circuit.

Limited race-weekend tickets remain available through BIC’s official website, bahraingp.com, or by calling the BIC Hotline on +973 17450000.

Sepang International Circuit will open its gates at 8:30am on Friday and Saturday and at 10:00am on Sunday.