Kuala Lampur:The Sepang International Circuit (SIC) is fully prepared for the upcoming Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia this weekend, with nearly 100,000 tickets sold, setting a record for the circuit.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, SIC chief executive officer Azhan Shafriman Hanif reported that approximately 3,000 tickets are still available for purchase online, including grandstand and hillstand seats. He noted this is an unprecedented figure for the circuit's ticket sales.

Azhan detailed that the circuit's preparations have reached 100 percent readiness, with most logistics cargo already arrived in anticipation of the paddock activation. He praised the achievement, especially given the shorter preparation time of under two months compared to the usual six to seven months.

Despite facing numerous challenges, the SIC has maintained its status as an F1 Grade 1 circuit. This effort required significant collaboration from all parties involved to elevate it to the level of an F1 event.

Furthermore, SIC is collaborating with the National Disaster Management Agency and the Malaysian Meteorological Department to monitor air quality levels. Cloud seeding operations have been conducted to induce rainfall and improve air conditions, with contingency plans in place should the haze affect the race.

Malaysia is hosting the Gulf Air Bahrain GP from Friday to Sunday following a new agreement that allows the Bahrain GP to remain on the 2026 F1 calendar. The race was previously canceled due to geopolitical tensions in West Asia. Malaysia last hosted the Malaysian GP at Sepang from 1999 to 2017.