MANAMA, Sept 25 — One of Southeast Asia’s premier single-seater championships for junior drivers is set to hit the track at Sepang International Circuit (SIC) in support of the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia 2026, Bahrain News Agency (BNA) reported.
Formula Trophy Malaysia (FTM) will flag off its 2026 season with the first of three rounds during the highly anticipated F1 weekend from October 2 to 4 at SIC.
The spirit of Bahrain will come alive at Malaysia’s iconic motorsport venue, with non-stop action across all three days featuring both F1 and FTM.
Limited race-weekend tickets remain available through BIC’s official website or its hotline.
Launched in 2016-17 and formerly known as the Formula 4 South East Asia Championship, FTM has become a reference point for junior drivers in the region and beyond.
Competitors race identical Tatuus F4-T421 cars powered by Abarth, with all cars running on Giti tyres.
The series offers competitors new opportunities in a developing market, providing a professional first step on the single-seater ladder while giving them the opportunity to race at events featuring the highest levels of the sport.
The 2026 FTM calendar comprises three rounds, all of which will take place at SIC.
Following the season opener supporting the F1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia 2026, the second round is scheduled for November 6 to 8 alongside the 2026 China GT Championship.
The third and final round will take place from December 12 to 14 as part of the support programme for the Sepang 12 Hours.
The upcoming FTM meeting will feature two practice sessions on Friday, October 2.
Qualifying will be held on Saturday, October 3, setting the grids for the weekend’s two races, with the first taking place later that day and the second on Sunday, October 4.
Many of Southeast Asia’s leading up-and-coming drivers are expected to compete in FTM’s 2026 curtain-raiser, with the final entry list to be announced closer to the event.
The F1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia 2026 will mark the 16th round of this year’s FIA Formula 1 World Championship.
Alongside the racing, the event will feature family entertainment at the SIC Fan Zone, including the internationally renowned Chinese Acrobats, roaming performers and concerts by major music artists.
The concerts will feature back-to-back live performances by two international music stars.
Multi-platinum-selling hit-maker Martin Garrix will headline the post-race celebrations on Sunday, while Grammy-nominated DJ and producer Axwell will perform on the SIC stage on Saturday.
Concert ticket upgrades are available exclusively to race-weekend ticket holders who purchased their tickets by midnight on September 8.
Ticket holders can upgrade for US$50 (about RM200) per person for the Axwell concert and US$100 (RM400) per person for the Martin Garrix concert.
Each performance requires a separate ticket, with upgrade instructions sent directly to ticket holders by email.
More information on the F1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia 2026 is available through the event’s official channels.
