{
  "id": 12056271,
  "title": "Malaysia’s F1 return hinges on five-year plan covering funding, promotion and logistics, says FIA chief",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/05/malaysias-f1-return-hinges-on-five-year-plan-covering-funding",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-05T02:39:32.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/10/05/malaysias-f1-return-hinges-on-five-year-plan-covering-funding-promotion-and-logistics-says-fia-chief/237733"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Malaysia's return to the Formula One (F1) calendar hinges on a comprehensive five-year business plan encompassing funding, promotion, and logistical considerations, according to Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) president Mohammed Ben Sulayem. While the possibility of Malaysia resuming its F1 presence is open, successful implementation of such a plan is crucial. Speaking at a media roundtable in Malaysia following the Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit on Oct 2-4, Ben Sulayem highlighted the improvements made to the circuit and the strong motorsport foundation in Malaysia. However, he emphasized the importance of a long-term plan addressing financial, promotional, and logistical aspects of hosting F1. Ben Sulayem stressed that Malaysia must assess whether the event aligns with its economic and tourism policies before considering a return. The FIA chief noted that the championship has become commercially stronger and hinted at the possibility of expanding the calendar to 25 races in the future, favoring more teams over additional races. Malaysian Motorsports Association president Tan Sri Mokhzani Mahathir expressed confidence in Sepang International Circuit's capability to host F1, citing its experience in organizing the event. Ben Sulayem praised the cooperation between Malaysian and Bahraini personnel during the Bahrain Grand Prix, highlighting its logistical success and impact on Malaysian motorsport. He advocated for expanding the country's motorsport offerings beyond F1, encouraging accessible forms like karting, cross-car, and rallying.",
  "summary": "SEPANG, Oct 5 — Malaysia would need a minimum five-year business plan covering the commercial, promotio...",
  "key_points": [
    "Malaysia's F1 return depends on a five-year plan covering funding, promotion, logistics.",
    "FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem emphasizes comprehensive business plan for Malaysia's F1 return.",
    "Malaysian Motorsports Association confident in Sepang International Circuit's hosting capability."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Malaysia's potential return to the F1 calendar depends on its ability to present a solid five-year plan that addresses funding, promotion, and logistics, aligning with its economic and tourism policies.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Bernama",
        "title": "Business : FIA President: Malaysia Needs Five-year Business Plan For F1 Return",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/05/business-fia-president-malaysia-needs-five-year-business-plan-for-f1",
        "published": "2026-10-05T00:52:18.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "Malaysia’s F1 return hinges on five-year plan covering funding, promotion and logistics, says FIA chief",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/05/malaysias-f1-return-hinges-on-five-year-plan-covering-funding-12065123",
        "published": "2026-10-05T02:39:32.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}