KUALA LUMPUR, 28 July – Malaysia will host the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit within the next two months, following the Bahrain government’s decision to hand over the event due to the conflict in the Middle East.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the decision was made after the King of Bahrain, through Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Salman Hamad Al Khalifa, confirmed the agreement to move the race to Malaysia.
He said Malaysia was selected over several other countries because of its good safety record, efficient management, and national stability. “Malaysia was chosen because this country is peaceful, well-managed, and its people are united,” he said.
Anwar said the government initially examined the financial implications of hosting the event, as the country’s current priorities are addressing the cost of living and housing issues. However, following negotiations with the Bahrain government, Formula 1, and the International Automobile Federation (FIA), Malaysia does not have to pay a hosting fee to Formula One Management (FOM).
Instead, the government expects to bear the cost of upgrading facilities at the Sepang circuit, estimated at between RM11 million and RM16 million. Anwar said this is far lower than previous F1 hostings, which required spending of hundreds of millions of ringgit, including the hosting fees.
He said the race is expected to attract Formula 1 teams, technical officers, engineers, and motorsport fans from around the world to Malaysia. “I have assured Bahrain’s Prime Minister and Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali that Malaysia is ready in terms of management and security to organise this race,” he added.
In a Facebook post, Anwar also expressed his appreciation to Prince Salman Hamad Al Khalifa, the Bahrain government, and its people for the trust placed in Malaysia to help organise the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Sepang.
He said the cooperation reflects the close ties between Malaysia and Bahrain, and proves Malaysia’s capability to host international sporting events.
