Autocar India

2026 F1 Bahrain GP in Malaysia schedule

MotoGP, meanwhile, heads to Motegi for the Japanese GP.
2 min read•1 Oct '26
Unnatee GidithuriUnnatee Gidithuri
15 views
F1 Malaysia schedule IST

Formula 1 is returning to Malaysia for the first time in nine years this weekend. But there’s a twist – the event will be held as the Bahrain GP, with the Middle Eastern kingdom funding the race.

MotoGP is also on this weekend, with the title battle continuing at Japan. Here is your complete guide on when and where to tune in from India:

F1 Bahrain GP in Malaysia schedule

F1 Bahrain GP in Malaysia schedule IST

Following the postponement of the Bahrain GP due to the escalating conflict in the Middle East, the fan-favourite Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia has stepped in to host the race. 

F1 last raced at Sepang back in 2017, and more than half of the current grid has never raced at the venue. Combine this with potential rain over the weekend, the race could throw up some unexpected results. 

Current championship leader Mercedes will also be bringing an upgrade package to Malaysia. After a strong Azerbaijan GP win, George Russell will be hoping to build that momentum and chip away at his teammate Kimi Antonelli’s lead, which currently stands at 66 points.

F1 Bahrain GP in Malaysia: Where to watch?

All sessions will be streamed live on the FanCode and F1 TV apps.

2026 F1 Bahrain GP in Malaysia IST schedule
Date
Day
Session
Time
October 2
Friday
FP1
10am
October 2
Friday
FP2
1:30pm
October 3
Saturday
FP3
10am
October 3
Saturday
Qualifying
1:30pm
October 4
Sunday
Race
12:30pm

MotoGP Japanese GP schedule

MotoGP Japanese GP schedule IST

42 points cover the top three in the MotoGP standings. Jorge Martin holds on to the overall lead, but reigning champion Marc Marquez is just 12 points behind in second place. Marco Bezzecchi also remains in title contention, but he’s 42 points off the lead. Behind him is Pedro Acosta, who has emerged as a late threat with five consecutive top five finishes. The KTM rider even secured his maiden win last time out at Austria.

The Japanese GP will also see Maverick Vinales returning to racing action. The KTM Tech3 rider hasn’t raced since the German GP in July after undergoing corrective shoulder surgery.

MotoGP Japanese GP: Where to watch?

All sessions will be streamed live on FanCode. Fans in India can also catch the live TV broadcast on Eurosport.

2026 MotoGP Japanese GP IST schedule
Date
Day
Session
Time
October 2
Friday
FP1
7:15am
October 2
Friday
Practice
11:30am
October 3
Saturday
FP2
6:40am
October 3
Saturday
Qualifying
7:20am
October 3
Saturday
Sprint
11:30am
October 4
Sunday
Race
10:30am

Hear from the

Autocar Community

50+Experts
10k+Members
6k+Posts

Rajiv Yadav wins 2026 JK Tyre Rally of Himalayas

While Yadav topped the Extreme four-wheeler category, Dhritimaan Singh and Soham Hazra took top spots in the Moto Two-wheeler and TSD four-wheeler categories, respectively.
3 min read•1 Oct '26
Saptarshi MondalSaptarshi Mondal
2026 Rally of Himalayas

Mahindra Formula E retains de Vries, Mortara

Mahindra to continue with driver pairing for the upcoming Formula E 2026/27 season, which will see the new Gen4 car’s debut.
2 min read•29 Sep '26
Unnatee GidithuriUnnatee Gidithuri
Mahindra Formula E Nyck de Vries, Edoardo Mortara

Jaden Immanuel becomes first Indian to win ADAC Junior Cup title

The 14-year-old will make his Moto4 European Cup debut at Misano this October.
2 min read•28 Sep '26
Unnatee GidithuriUnnatee Gidithuri
Jaden Immanuel ADAC Junior Cup

Image credits: Dino Eisele, EuroMoto and Inbo Media

2026 F1: Russell fends off Verstappen to win Azerbaijan GP

Hadjar finished third, handing Red Bull a double podium finish.
3 min read•27 Sep '26
Unnatee GidithuriUnnatee Gidithuri
F1 Azerbaijan GP Russell Verstappen

2026 F1 Azerbaijan GP schedule, India timings

F1 Baku race will be held on Saturday; World Endurance Championship’s 6 Hours of Fuji coming up as well.
2 min read•24 Sep '26
Unnatee GidithuriUnnatee Gidithuri
F1 Azerbaijan GP schedule

Poll of the month

If you bought a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), how would you use it?

Primarily as an EV, charging it every day
Mainly as a petrol car; e-power is a bonus
An even mix of both, based on the conditions
907 votes•19 days remaining

Upcoming Cars

JSW Motors Chery iCAR V23
JSW Motors Chery iCAR V23

₹17.00 - ₹20.00 Lakhs

Toyota Land Cruiser FJ
Toyota Land Cruiser FJ

₹30.00 - ₹35.00 Lakhs

Nissan Terrano
Nissan Terrano

₹40.00 - ₹45.00 Lakhs

Jeep SUV
Jeep SUV

₹15.00 - ₹20.00 Lakhs

Hyundai Palisade
Hyundai Palisade

₹50.00 - ₹55.00 Lakhs

Trending Cars

Tata Aeris
Tata Aeris

₹5.30 - ₹9.75 Lakhs

Hyundai Bayon
Hyundai Bayon

₹8.00 - ₹15.00 Lakhs