F1 Race in Saudi Arabia will go Ahead as Scheduled

Formula One has said that its race in Saudi Arabia will be held as scheduled this weekend even after attacks on the kingdom by Yemen’s Houthi rebels.

The announcement came a day after rebels attacked an oil depot about 11 kilometres (seven miles) from the F1 race track. The 20 drivers on the network met several times on Friday night in talks lasting more than 2 a.m. to discuss safety issues.

F1 said in a statement that Formula 1 and the FIA (governing body) can confirm if the 2022 FIA Formula 1 Saudi Arabia Grand Prix will continue as scheduled. The announcement to keep the previous schedule came after the rebels attacked an oil depot about 11 kilometres from the F1 circuit.

Following the widely reported incident that took place in Jeddah on Friday, there were protracted discussions among all parties involved, Saudi government authorities and security agencies, who have given full and detailed assurances that the event is confidential.

Many drivers expressed concern about racing in the region and the human rights record in Saudi Arabia when F1 hosted its inaugural event at the circuit last December. Back on the road just over three months later, tensions are growing after the attack.