The global energy crisis triggered by rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East could soon impact the motorsport calendar, with reports suggesting the Malaysian government may cancel the Super GT Championship 2026 round 3 at Sepang International Circuit, Sepang.
According to motorsport outlet Sportscar365, the race—traditionally the only overseas round in the Japanese GT series—may not take place in Malaysia in 2026 due to concerns over potential fuel shortages and rising logistical costs.
The ongoing geopolitical tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran have escalated instability in the Middle East, affecting global fuel supply chains.
With fears that energy exports from the region could be disrupted, the Malaysian government—one of the primary backers of the Sepang race—has reportedly asked organisers to reduce non-essential large-scale events to conserve resources.
In addition to fuel concerns, soaring transportation costs for race cars, equipment, teams, and personnel have further complicated the staging of the event.
An official announcement regarding the race’s fate is expected later this week, coinciding with the opening round of the Super GT season at Okayama International Circuit in Japan.
So far, neither the GT Association—the organiser of the Super GT series—nor Malaysian event promoter HARO Sports & Entertainment has publicly commented on the report.
Super GT has traditionally hosted one international race per season, with Sepang being one of its most iconic overseas venues.
The championship returned to Malaysia in 2025 under a three-year agreement, marking a comeback after previously holding races at Sepang from 2005 to 2013.
Between 2014 and 2019, the overseas round shifted to Chang International Circuit in Buriram, Thailand, before the pandemic disrupted the series’ international expansion.
Credit Photo : Super GT Malaysia
