F1: Bahrain Vibes Set To Take Sepang - BIC CE

SEPANG, Sept 28 (Bernama) -- Bahrain is set to bring its unique flavour to Sepang International Circuit (SIC) here, as the Formula 1 (F1) Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix (GP) in Malaysia 2026 roars into action from Oct 2 to 4.

Beyond the high-speed drama on track, Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) chief executive Sheikh Salman Isa Al Khalifa said fans can expect a taste of Bahrain’s culture, traditions and food and as the Kingdom showcases its Grand Prix experience in Malaysia.

“Obviously, we wanted to bring our culture, our traditions, all of that. So if you go in the vending area or the mall area, I think that will be a great experience on the Bahraini culture.

“There is a traditional side, there is a modern side, with the food, handicrafts, all of that,” he said in an interview session with Bernama and Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) at the SIC here, today.

Sheikh Salman said the Bahraini identity would also be reflected through the race's trophy, local food and ma’al-ward (rose water) a non-alcoholic drink made from ingredients grown in Bahrain.

“We'll have our ma’al-ward, which is our Bahraini-made non-alcoholic drink, where they (drivers during post-race ceremony) will spray and all of that, made from local ingredients only grown in Bahrain,” he said.

He said Bahraini cuisine would even be served in the paddock, allowing F1 teams’ crew to sample the country's food while in Malaysia.

Last July, Formula 1 confirmed Malaysia as the host of the Gulf Air Bahrain GP from Oct 2 to 4 following an agreement signed between Formula 1, the International Automobile Federation (FIA) ​​and the governments of Malaysia and Bahrain.

The agreement allows the Bahrain GP to remain on the 2026 F1 calendar after the race in question was cancelled earlier this season due to geopolitical tensions in West Asia.

Malaysia previously hosted the Malaysian GP in Sepang from 1999 to 2017 before the race was dropped from the F1 calendar.

In the meantime, Sheikh Salman said the operation at SIC would involve 5,000 people including personnel from Bahrain, Malaysia, contractors and various support teams.

He said more than 560 marshals from Bahrain would be involved alongside their Malaysian counterparts, while more than 100 personnel from BIC would also be on the ground.

“More importantly, we have the support of SIC. So, it's not like the whole Bahrain race track is moving here. We have great people in Malaysia and they've been doing that job,” he said.

Meanwhile, SIC chief executive officer Azhan Shafriman Hanif said the race event represents an opportunity for Bahrain and Malaysia to demonstrate what can be achieved through close cooperation, particularly given the extremely short preparation period.

Azhan said the biggest challenge was the extremely short window to turn the announcement into reality, with both the SIC and BIC teams having to work around the clock after the decision was made before.

He said the pressure was amplified by the need to complete work that would normally take months, while thanking the Malaysian government and agencies for helping secure the necessary approvals for cargo and personnel to arrive in time for the race weekend.

-- BERNAMA