Saudi Arabian Grand Prix to go on despite rebel attack

 

The Saudi Arabian Formula One Grand Prix will continue “as planned” despite an attack by Yemeni rebels on an oil facility that set off a huge fire visible from Jeddah’s street circuit.

Drivers held nearly four hours of meetings with team bosses and F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali and managing director Ross Brawn into the early hours of Saturday on whether to go ahead with the race.

“It’s not for me to say, right now,” was all Britain’s George Russell, representative of the drivers’ union, would say, while several team bosses gave assurances that “We race”.

“Ready and totally focused for tomorrow’s race!” Mexican driver Sergio Perez of Red Bull tweeted after the meetings ended at 2:20 am, apparently confirming the decision to race on Sunday.

Domenicali had earlier insisted the weekend would continue as planned.

“Formula 1 has been in close contact with the relevant authorities following the situation that took place today,” an F1 spokesman said after the second practice session at 9:00 pm.

“The authorities have confirmed that the event can continue as planned and we will remain in close contact with them and all the teams and closely monitor the situation.”

Domenicali and Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the newly elected president of the sport’s ruling body the International Motoring Federation (FIA), met with drivers and team bosses to try to reassure them.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the newly elected president of the sport’s ruling body the International Motoring Federation (FIA). /Getty Images

“We have received total assurance on safety and security here, for the country and for the families,” Domenicali said after this first meeting.

“We have all put safety first to protect this area and the city where we are going,” he said.

“The question is who are these rebels targeting? It is the economic infrastructure, not civilians, and not this track. We have the high-level assurance that this is a secure place and nothing is going to happen,” added Ben Sulayem.

World champion Max Verstappen was one of the first drivers to be aware of the drama unfolding while he guided his Red Bull through the first practice session.