The maintenance of the F1 Grand Prix of Saudi Arabia has been reconfirmed by the promoter and the FIA, despite the attack on an oil site near the circuit.
The Formula 1 promoter and the International Automobile Federation (FIA) reconfirmed on Saturday the maintenance of the Saudi Arabian F1 Grand Prix, the day after the attack on an oil site near the Jeddah circuit by Yemeni rebels Houthis.
“After discussions with all the teams and drivers, the Saudi Arabian Formula 1 Grand Prix will continue as planned,” the authorities said in a statement.
See: Yemeni rebel attacks on Saudi Arabia, an oil installation in flames
The third free practice session is scheduled for Saturday from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. local (3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Paris), three hours before qualifying (8 p.m. to 9 p.m. local). The start of the race is scheduled for Sunday at 8 p.m. (7 p.m. Paris).
“After the widely covered incident that took place in Jeddah on Friday, lengthy discussions were held between stakeholders, Saudi government authorities and responsible security agencies who gave full and detailed assurances that the event is secure”, add Formula 1 and the FIA.
“All stakeholders have agreed to maintain a clear and open dialogue during the event (which is held until Sunday, editor’s note) and in the future”, they continue.
Four-hour pilot meeting
The organizers of the championship had announced Friday evening the maintenance of the GP after this attack, which is part of a series perpetrated against Saudi Arabia on the eve of the seventh anniversary of the intervention of the military coalition led by Riyadh in Yemen to support the government in the face of rebels close to Iran.
But the pilots then met for more than four hours to discuss their participation in the event. They had separated around 02:20 local time (00:20 French), before leaving the circuit without openly declaring their position.
Only one of them, the Mexican Sergio Perez (Red Bull), spoke later on Twitter. He said he was “ready and totally focused for tomorrow’s qualifying (Saturday)”.
Several team bosses for their part assured the media present: “We are going to race”.