FIA boss happy for F1 to race in Middle East, less sure about Dakar Rally

BIGGIN HILL, England, Oct 20 : Formula One's governing body is happy for the last two races of the season in Qatar and Abu Dhabi to proceed as planned, despite the Iran war and conflict in the Gulf region, International Automobile Federation (FIA) president Mohammed Ben Sulayem said on Tuesday.

Speaking to reporters after opening a new FIA Remote Operations Centre at Biggin Hill, within Formula One's television headquarters, the Emirati acknowledged concern about January's Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia but expressed confidence in F1.

F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali, who also attended the opening but did not speak to reporters, has stated the calendar is confirmed.

Qatar's Lusail circuit and Abu Dhabi's Yas Marina are due to host grands prix on November 29 and December 6 respectively. Italy's Imola circuit has been mentioned as a backstop for the latter race should both Gulf rounds have to be cancelled.

Asked if he felt the situation in the two countries was 'fine' at the moment, Ben Sulayem replied: 'Yeah, fine.

"Does this say (mean) that there is nothing going to happen? I cannot predict this. I can only tell you today that there is nothing and the two races are going to happen."

Ben Sulayem said his children remained in the Emirates and he would be happy for FIA staff to attend, adding that there were also backup plans in case some were unable to travel.

SOME EVENTS IN SAUDI ARABIA HAVE BEEN CANCELLED

The FIA World Rally Championship was due to end in Saudi Arabia on November 11-14 but was cancelled due to the situation in the country, with the Italian round in Sardinia concluding the championship this month.   

The Jeddah-based rally remained automatically as part of the Middle East championship but Ben Sulayem said local