What is the official race timing for the 2026 F1 Bahrain GP in Malaysia?

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Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia in 2026 Will Be Held in the Afternoon

The Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, scheduled to be held in Malaysia in 2026, has been officially confirmed by Sepang International Circuit (SIC) to take place in the afternoon. This clarification addresses social media speculation that suggested the race might be conducted at night, a notion which SIC chief executive officer Azhan Shafriman Hanif explicitly refuted. The event is slated to occur from October 2 to 4, 2026.
Confirmation of Afternoon Race Schedule

SIC CEO Azhan Shafriman Hanif provided a direct confirmation that the race will be held in the afternoon, stating, "The race will be held in the afternoon, not at night." This statement serves to dispel any ambiguity that may have arisen from conflicting information circulating online.
Discrepancy with Official F1 App Information

The confusion originated from information shared on social media, purportedly from the official Formula 1 app, which indicated a race timing of 8 pm to 10 pm local track time for the event on October 4. A subsequent check by Bernama found that the timing displayed on the F1 app had not been updated as of press time, contributing to the public's uncertainty.
Hosting Agreement and Race Context

Formula 1 officially confirmed Malaysia as the host for the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix from October 2 to 4, 2026. This arrangement was made possible through an agreement between Formula 1, the International Automobile Federation (FIA), and the governments of Malaysia and Bahrain. This agreement ensures the Bahrain GP's inclusion on the 2026 calendar, following its cancellation earlier in the season due to geopolitical tensions in West Asia.
Historical Precedent for Afternoon Races in Sepang

Malaysia has a history of hosting Formula 1, with the Malaysian Grand Prix taking place at Sepang from 1999 to 2017. During its 19-year tenure, the Malaysian Grand Prix was consistently held in the afternoon. This historical practice contrasts with some contemporary Formula 1 races, such as the Singapore and Las Vegas Grands Prix, which are scheduled to run at night.

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What is the official race timing for the 2026 F1 Bahrain GP in Malaysia?

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