The Bahrain Grand Prix was held at the Sepang International Circuit from Oct 2 to 4 following the conflict in West Asia, marking Formula 1’s return to Malaysia for the first time since 2017. (Bernama pic)PETALING JAYA: Malaysia spent RM70 million hosting the Bahrain Formula 1 Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) last month, the government says.

The figure is higher than the RM40 million estimated by SIC chief executive Azhan Shafriman Hanif in July for local preparations ahead of the race.

In a written parliamentary reply to Nazri Abu Hassan (PN-Merbok), youth and sports minister Dr Taufiq Johari said the event, which ran from Oct 2 to 4, cost an estimated RM350 million, including hosting fees and preparations at the circuit.