Malaysia set to return later this year?

By Mark Gero

With the war in the Middle East reaching to a point of increasing, formula one has already cancelled two races earlier this season: Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. This occurred when Iran missiles and drones went into both countries’ airspace.

But for the sport already down two races of its 24 that were supposed to be scheduled, there is a possibility if this conflict continues, the chance of both year end races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi could experience the same fate.

If this does happen, who has the chance to jump in and fill in the final two positions that have been cancelled?

This morning, it has been revealed that Malaysia could fill in that slot, perhaps following the Singapore Grand Prix, which is being held in September. Malaysia itself is right next door to the former British colony, and travelling to the event might not be difficult.

But for some reason, Bahrain, along with the other Middle East race already mentioned, will have a decision made by the FI.A. to see if those races can go ahead by the end of this month. But the final decision will be looked after when the committee decides the fate of the World Endurance Championship races that was supposed to have taken place in Qatar and Bahrain, which is the final race of that series in November.

If formula one must change venues, the likely contender besides Sepang could be at the Istanbul Park Circuit in Turkey, which already will host a race next season. But this location would schedule in between the races in Azerbaijan and Singapore. But it might be too tight of a schedule and become a triple header, which might be too tough for the circuit itself, which needs to be revamped for next season, and it might be too early to accept this bid.

But if Qatar and Abu Dhabi are cancelled, there is the possibility that Portimão in Portugal (or even a chance or a risk if you pardon the pun) that Las Vegas could host a double header are pretty much the suggestions for replacements for another formula one race.

But here is the negative side to all this. Formula One could lose money and they already have by having the earlier races cancelled. If Las Vegas could host a double header, it would be great, but the traffic in that city might be too tough to handle for two weeks, let alone one. For all of those mentioned, another factor comes up: How would you sell tickets so quickly if that event suddenly appeared on the schedule?

It will be interesting to see how the final decision will be based on. If nothing happens, then formula one will lose money, and four races will not be run, making only 20 races on this season’s calendar, and if events in the Middle East increases into next year, who knows if those races cancelled will be back and now the F.I.A. might have to adjust the calendar again. So, the decision will come soon and it will be interesting to see what replaces those races and what does not might now make sense.