700 security personnel and 560 Bahraini marshals: inside the operation for F1's Sepang weekend
Around 700 security personnel, a dedicated immigration lane and a strict banned-items list are in place for the Bahrain GP at Sepang.
With the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang International Circuit (SIC) three days away, officials in Malaysia and Bahrain say they are ready. Security, immigration and race operations were all finalised over the weekend. Here is what has been confirmed, and what fans need to know before they reach the gates.
Around 700 personnel for security and traffic
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail met Bahrain's Interior Minister, General Shaikh Rashid Abdulla Al Khalifa, in Abu Dhabi on 26 September. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 15th UN Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice.
According to Bernama and Malay Mail, the two ministers discussed race preparations. Arrangements include:
- about 700 personnel for security and traffic management over the race weekend
- a dedicated immigration lane at the airport for team crews and accredited personnel
- visa facilitation for foreign nationals travelling for the event
"Malaysia is honoured to welcome Bahrain and the international motorsports community to Sepang," Saifuddin said. The two ministers also discussed wider cooperation on counter-terrorism, intelligence sharing, drug enforcement and border security. A memorandum of understanding on transnational crime is under review.
Bahrain's organising teams in place
On Sunday, the Bahrain Motor Federation (BMF) held a video conference with the heads of its organising teams in Kuala Lumpur. General manager Abdulaziz Al Thawadi said: "All teams are fully prepared to carry out their duties and responsibilities during the race."
That workforce is large. SIC and Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) officials told The Star that about 5,000 people are involved in running the race. That includes more than 560 marshals from Bahrain and over 100 BIC staff on site, working alongside the Sepang team. SIC chief executive Azhan Shafriman Hanif called the very short preparation window the biggest challenge.
What you cannot bring in
Visitor rules published through the circuit's ticketing partners list a long set of banned items. Bags can be searched at the entrance, and anyone who refuses a search can be turned away. Items not allowed include:
- Bottles, cans, glass and outside food or drink, unless allowed under venue regulations
- Drones, laser devices, selfie sticks, walkie-talkies, radio scanners and signal jammers
- Air horns, vuvuzelas, whistles, flares, fireworks and smoke canisters
- Knives or bladed items, firearms, ammunition and personal protection sprays
- Bicycles, scooters, skateboards, roller-skates and prams
- Animals, except registered assistance dogs
- Political, religious or offensive banners and items, and unauthorised promotional material
The rules do not set a bag-size limit or cover umbrellas, so check the latest advice from your ticket seller before you set off.
Getting there
Organisers are pushing fans towards public transport. Rapid KL is running 95 free shuttle buses every 10 to 15 minutes from 7am to midnight. Pick-up points are KLIA Terminal 2 (Level 1 Bus Hub), the Mitsui KLIA bus hub and De-Village in Bandar Baru Enstek. There is no motorcycle parking at the circuit this year, and car parking needs a pre-bought pass.
Key takeaways
- About 700 personnel will handle security and traffic around the Sepang race weekend.
- Team crews and accredited staff get a dedicated airport immigration lane, and visa help is available for foreign fans.
- More than 560 Bahraini marshals are among roughly 5,000 people working on the event.
- Drones, glass, outside food and drink, air horns and political or religious items are banned. Bags may be searched.
FAQ
Can I bring my own water bottle to Sepang? Visitor rules ban bottles, cans and outside food and drink unless the venue regulations allow them. Check with your ticket provider before race day.
Is motorcycle parking available? No. Motorcycle parking is not available at the circuit for this year's Bahrain Grand Prix.
Why are Bahraini marshals working at Sepang? The race is Bahrain's Grand Prix, moved to Malaysia this year, so Bahrain's organisers and marshals are running it together with the Sepang International Circuit team.
Sources: Bernama, Malay Mail, The Star, The Rakyat Post, TicketsGP