Formula One race in Saudi Arabia to go ahead despite nearby attack by Yemen rebels

Formula One said its race in Saudi Arabia will go ahead as scheduled Sunday despite attacks on the kingdom by Yemen's Houthi rebels.

The announcement came a day after the rebels attacked an oil depot located about 11 kilometres (seven miles) from the racetrack. F1 said it received "detailed assurances that the event is secure." The attack happened while the first practice was taking place, and the 20 drivers met Friday night in talks that stretched past 2 a.m. to discuss safety concerns.

"Yesterday was a difficult day for Formula One and a stressful day for us Formula One drivers," the Grand Prix Drivers' Association said in a statement Saturday. "We went into long discussions between ourselves, with our team principals, and with the most senior people who run our sport. A large variety of opinions were shared and debated."

Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto said it was "important to listen to drivers" but that the decision to continue was correct.

"It has been a long night but first let's focus on the facts. We know that it's not the first time it's happening in this country and in this area," he said. "Leaving the country would simply not have been the right choice."

In an earlier statement, F1 and governing body FIA confirmed that "following discussions with all the teams and drivers," the grand prix "will continue as scheduled."

"Following the widely reported incident that took place in Jeddah on Friday, there has been extensive discussion between all stakeholders, the Saudi government authorities and security agencies who have given full and detailed assurances that the event is secure," the statement said.

F1 added that it has been agreed "with all stakeholders to maintain a clear and open dialogue throughout