Formula Trophy Malaysia set for support races at F1 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia 2026
The Formula Trophy Malaysia (FTM) championship is set to launch its 2026 season at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC), serving as a support race for the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. According…
Source: Bernama · September 25, 2026 at 10:32 PM · AI-assisted report
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SEPANG INTERNATIONAL CIRCUIT, 26 SEPTEMBER 2026 —
The Formula Trophy Malaysia (FTM) championship is set to launch its 2026 season at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC), serving as a support race for the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia.
Market Impact
According to a report by the Bahrain News Agency (BNA) on September 25, this single-seater series for junior drivers will hold its first of three rounds during the anticipated F1 weekend, scheduled to take place from October 2 to October 4 at the iconic Malaysian motorsport venue.
The announcement confirms that the "spirit of Bahrain" will be present at SIC, with non-stop racing action featuring both the premier F1 category and the FTM series across all three days of the event.
The inclusion of FTM in the support programme marks a significant development for the regional motorsport landscape, providing a professional platform for emerging talent within the highest levels of the sport. Launched in the 2016-17 season and formerly known as the Formula 4 South East Asia Championship, FTM has established itself as a reference point for junior drivers in the region and beyond.
The series offers competitors new opportunities in a still-developing market, providing a fresh and professional boost at the first step of the single-seater ladder. By aligning with the F1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, the championship aims to capitalize on the global attention generated by the top tier of motorsport, thereby elevating the profile of junior racing in Southeast Asia.
The 2026 FTM calendar is structured around three rounds, all of which are set to take place at the Sepang International Circuit. Following the season-opener that supports the F1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, the second round is slated for November 6 to 8. This mid-season meeting will run alongside the 2026 China GT Championship, further diversifying the motorsport offerings at the circuit.
The third and final meeting of the season is scheduled for December 12 to 14, where it will serve as part of the support programme for the Sepang 12 Hours endurance race. This concentrated calendar at a single venue allows for consistent track conditions and familiarization for the drivers, while also simplifying logistics for teams and spectators.
Technical specifications for the series remain standardized to ensure fair competition among the junior drivers. Competitors will take to the track in identical Tatuus F4-T421 racing cars, which are powered by Abarth engines. All cars in the series will run on Giti tyres, ensuring uniformity in performance and strategy.
The use of identical machinery places the emphasis squarely on driver skill and team strategy, rather than engineering advantages, which is a hallmark of the junior single-seater categories. This format is designed to identify and nurture the next generation of racing talent, providing a clear pathway for drivers to progress through the ranks of international motorsport.
The race weekend format for the FTM opener has been detailed, with two practice sessions scheduled for Friday, October 2. Qualifying sessions will follow on Saturday, October 3, to determine the starting grids for the weekend’s two races. The first race is set to take place later on Saturday, while the second race will conclude the weekend on Sunday, October 4.
This schedule ensures that FTM fans have multiple opportunities to watch their drivers compete, with action spread across the entire F1 weekend. The integration of FTM into the F1 schedule means that the junior series will benefit from the heightened media coverage and spectator interest that accompanies the Formula 1 event.
Many of Southeast Asia’s leading up-and-coming drivers are expected to participate in the 2026 curtain-raiser, although the final entry list has not yet been released. The organizers have indicated that the definitive list of competitors will be announced closer to the event. This anticipation builds excitement among local fans and sponsors, who are eager to see the region’s best junior drivers compete on the global stage.
The presence of top-tier talent is expected to raise the competitive standard of the series, providing a rigorous test for the drivers as they prepare for higher levels of competition.
The F1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia 2026 is designated as the 16th round of the FIA F1 World Championship. This placement in the calendar shows the event’s significance in the global F1 schedule. The grand prix is not only a showcase for elite racing but also a major entertainment event, featuring a variety of family-friendly activities at the SIC Fan Zone.
The event organizers have highlighted the inclusion of the internationally renowned Chinese Acrobats, an army of delightful roaming performers, and concerts by A-list music artists. These elements are designed to attract a broader audience, including families and casual fans, thereby expanding the reach of the motorsport event beyond the core racing community.
The musical lineup for the race weekend features back-to-back live performances from two music industry superstars. On the Sunday of race weekend, multi-platinum-selling hit-maker Martin Garrix will headline the post-race celebrations. On the preceding Saturday, Grammy-nominated DJ and producer Axwell will take to the SIC stage. These high-profile performances are intended to enhance the overall experience for attendees, combining the thrill of racing with world-class entertainment.
The inclusion of such renowned artists reflects the event’s ambition to be a comprehensive cultural and sporting destination, appealing to a diverse range of interests.
Ticketing arrangements for the event have been outlined, with limited race-weekend tickets remaining available. Interested fans can purchase tickets through the Bahrain International Circuit’s (BIC) official website at bahraingp.com or by calling the BIC Hotline on +973-17450000. For those who have already purchased race-weekend tickets by midnight on September 8, specific upgrade options are available for the concerts.
Ticket holders can upgrade for US$50 per person for the Axwell concert and US$100 per person for the Martin Garrix concert. It is noted that each performance requires a separate ticket, and upgrade instructions have been sent directly to eligible ticket holders via email. This tiered ticketing strategy allows for flexible access to the entertainment components of the event.
For further information regarding the F1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia 2026, the public is directed to visit bahraingp.com, call the BIC Hotline, or follow BIC and SIC on social media platforms. The event represents a significant moment for Malaysian motorsport, as it hosts a major F1 round alongside a dedicated junior championship.
The collaboration between the F1 organizers and the FTM series highlights the growing importance of support races in the modern motorsport ecosystem. By providing a platform for junior drivers to compete in front of a global audience, the event contributes to the development of the sport in the region.
The upcoming weekend at Sepang International Circuit is poised to be a landmark occasion, combining elite racing, junior talent, and world-class entertainment in a single, cohesive event.
Related: Sepang International Circuit