Malaysian Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad is keen to bring Formula 1 back to Sepang as soon as possible.

The Asian nation gave up hosting the sport back in 2017 citing the high race fee and the inability to attract significant crowds to the circuit, particularly compared to MotoGP.

In doing so, it ended an 18-year stint which stretched back to 1999 when the race near Kuala Lumpur was used to promote Malaysia.

“We intend to bring back the Grand Prix, but I don’t know if it’s next year or the year after," he reportedly told local news source The Star Online.

“The interest in Grand Prix is still very big and we want to bring back the race here because it has stimulated many Malaysians to go into the automotive industry.”

Over the years, Sepang had built a reputation for great racing combined with the added fun of dodging the late afternoon thunderstorms which became more prevalent from 2009.

But in addition to the financial aspect, having another race in nearby Singapore was also thought to be an issue in attracting interest.

"We will be able to get spectators, more than 100,000 people and that will be worthwhile for us," the Prime Minister continued.

"Besides, when we have the Grand Prix, the television stations will broadcast this all over the world, bringing about 200 million viewers."

A Malaysia return would again increase F1's presence in South East Asia with the Vietnam Grand Prix joining in 2020.