Malaysia plans to organize a Formula 1 grand prix in October to substitute for the Bahrain race cancelled at the start of the season because of conflict in the Middle East.

The Sepang circuit close to Kuala Lumpur, absent from the schedule since 2017, is slated to host the event on behalf of Bahrain from 2-4 October, one week ahead of the neighboring Singapore round.

Officials intend to bill the meeting as the Bahrain Grand Prix hosted in Malaysia.

An official announcement is anticipated within days, possibly by Sunday.

Formula 1 has coordinated the arrangement, yet it still requires formal approval from the FIA, the sport's governing body.

Bahrain and Saudi Arabia postponed their April races in March following the outbreak of hostilities involving the United States, Israel and Iran.

Although F1 initially aimed to restore Bahrain to the October slot, the absence of progress toward peace and the need to meet logistical deadlines forced organizers to seek an alternative venue.

Confirmation of Malaysia would create three consecutive race weekends across Azerbaijan, Malaysia and Singapore.

Continued uncertainty surrounds the season finale in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, set for late November and early December, because of the ongoing conflict.

While a final choice on those events is not required until September, several backup options are under review.

Should the Middle Eastern races fall through, Imola in Italy stands as the strongest candidate to host a late-season event.

Imola previously welcomed the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix from 2020 through 2025 and had hosted Formula 1 rounds between 1980 and 2006.

Portimao in Portugal and Istanbul Park in Turkey remain under consideration but appear far less probable.

Both venues still require construction work ahead of their planned returns next year, and an early December date would add considerable logistical strain.

Losing the four Middle Eastern races would reduce the originally planned 24-race calendar to 20 events.

Formula 1 aims to retain at least 21 races to avoid contractual obligations that could require repayment of broadcaster rights fees and potential impacts on team sponsorship arrangements.