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Malaysia to host F1 Bahrain Grand Prix after royal diplomacy
🇲🇾 Malaysia /Sports

Malaysia to host F1 Bahrain Grand Prix after royal diplomacy

From Utusan Malaysia · () Malay

Translated from Malay, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified New plan
  • Malaysia will host the Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix from October 2-4, marking the sport's return to the country after 2017.
  • The event was secured through diplomatic efforts between Malaysia's King Sultan Ibrahim and Bahrain's King Hamad Isa Al-Khalifa, addressing safety concerns in West Asia.
  • This collaboration involves the Malaysian and Bahraini governments, F1, and the FIA, aiming to strengthen bilateral relations and boost motorsports.

Formula 1 is returning to Malaysia, with the Sepang International Circuit set to host the Bahrain Grand Prix from October 2-4. This comeback follows a successful diplomatic initiative between Malaysia and Bahrain, strengthening ties between the two nations.

The organization of the F1 Bahrain GP previously faced challenges due to uncertainty in the racing calendar following security conflicts in West Asia, requiring an immediate solution to ensure the prestigious race could continue.

— Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar's statementExplaining the background and need for diplomatic intervention to secure the F1 race.

King Sultan Ibrahim of Malaysia and King Hamad Isa Al-Khalifa of Bahrain spearheaded the diplomatic efforts. The decision to host the event in Malaysia was prompted by security uncertainties in West Asia, which had threatened the F1 calendar. King Hamad reportedly called King Sultan Ibrahim to discuss solutions, leading to the agreement.

The collaboration involves the Malaysian and Bahraini governments, Formula 1, and the International Automobile Federation (FIA). The Malaysian government, F1, and FIA must still finalize agreements and secure official approvals. The event's return to Sepang, which last hosted an F1 race in 2017, has generated excitement among local and regional motorsports fans.

In an effort to find a solution, King Hamad held discussions via telephone with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to discuss the best course of action to ensure the continuation of the race.

— Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar's statementDescribing the direct communication between the leaders that led to the resolution.

Hosting the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia not only revives memories of past races at Sepang but also marks a new chapter in Malaysia-Bahrain relations, emphasizing friendship and strategic cooperation.

The organization of the F1 Bahrain GP in Malaysia will not only revive memories of the racing era in Sepang but also create a new chapter in Malaysia-Bahrain diplomatic relations based on friendship and strategic cooperation.

— Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar's statementHighlighting the broader significance of the event for bilateral relations.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Utusan Malaysia in Malay. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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