Formula One will hold the 'Bahrain' Grand Prix in Malaysia, a significant alteration to the current season's calendar due to ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Daily Mail Sport has learned that an official announcement for the replacement venue is expected as early as Sunday.
Race Relocation and Contingency Plans
The race, which was originally scheduled to take place in April, has been moved to Malaysia's Sepang International Circuit on October 4. This decision follows retaliatory strikes on American military bases in Bahrain, making it impossible to host the event in the Gulf kingdom. The arrangement was reportedly finalized through direct discussions between Crown Prince Salman of Bahrain and the King of Malaysia.
The relocation to Sepang International Circuit, located an eight-hour flight from Bahrain, has received full support from Formula One. The Bahrain-bankrolled event would bring the season's total to 23 races.
However, the calendar remains subject to further disruption. If hostilities impact the concluding rounds in Qatar and Abu Dhabi on November 29 and December 6, an additional race in Imola is being lined up as a contingency. This race would likely be held on one of the vacated dates, restoring the world championship to 22 rounds. The Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola is considered an ideal venue, potentially serving as a stage for championship deciders.
The current season has already been affected by geopolitical events, leading to the unprecedented move to stage a Grand Prix under a different nation's banner in a different continent.