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:
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.
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 |
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.
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 |
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