SEPANG, Oct 1 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today joined the Pit Lane Walk ahead of the Formula One (F1) Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC), which will be held from tomorrow until Sunday.
Also taking part were Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, SIC Chief Executive Officer Azhan Shafriman Hanif and Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) Chief Executive Sheikh Salman Isa Al Khalifa.
Anwar arrived at about 3.30 pm and was received by SIC and BIC management before being taken on a tour of the pit area, followed by a meeting with representatives of both circuits.
After visiting the paddock area, the Prime Minister proceeded to the entrance of the ‘Mall Area’ to inspect preparations and facilities ahead of the arrival of fans from tomorrow.
He also watched a rehearsal by the Royal Malay Regiment Central Band and Bahrain Police Band, besides mingling with volunteers involved in the race.
SIC was selected as the venue for the F1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, making the iconic circuit a temporary host for the prestigious Bahrain race.
In July, Formula 1 confirmed that Malaysia would host the Bahrain GP from Oct 2 to 4 following an agreement between Formula 1, the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), and the Malaysian and Bahrain governments.
The agreement enabled the Bahrain GP to remain on the 2026 F1 calendar after the race, originally scheduled earlier this season, was cancelled due to geopolitical tensions in West Asia.
Malaysia previously hosted the Malaysian GP at Sepang from 1999 to 2017 before the race was dropped from the F1 calendar.
Meanwhile, in a Facebook post, Anwar expressed his appreciation for the close cooperation between SIC and BIC in making the F1 event a success.
He also thanked the organisers, staff and volunteers for their commitment to ensuring that the event was conducted smoothly and safely.
“Hopefully, the event will run smoothly and leave meaningful memories for fans and visitors, while also elevating Malaysia’s name on the world motorsports stage,” he said.
-- BERNAMA