'The sport has to stand together' - Saudi Arabian GP to go ahead despite Houthi missile attack

The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix will go ahead as planned following a meeting between the teams and F1’s governing bodies. The teams met at 22:00 local time (19:00GMT), including the drivers, to discuss the race weekend in the wake of an attack on an oil facility close to the Jeddah Corniche Circuit where the race is held. Ad/> An Aramco oil distribution centre 12 kilometres from the track was set ablaze in an attack that Yemen’s Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for.

Saudi Arabian Grand PrixSecond practice, delayed by fire at Jeddah oil depot, ends with Leclerc on top3 HOURS AGO Friday’s practice sessions went ahead as normal, but the second session was delayed by 15 minutes as race organisers briefed drivers on the events in Saudi Arabia. In a meeting lasting 45 minutes, the teams and drivers were offered assurances that the race weekend was safe. An F1 statement said: «Formula 1 has been in close contact with the relevant authorities following the situation that took place today.

»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." The sport’s top officials confirmed after the meeting that the race would go ahead and were keen to emphasise that this decision was taken together. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said: «We have received total assurance of the country's safety first, „They have placed all the systems to protect this area. So, we feel confident that we have to trust the local authority in that respect.