Formula One race in Saudi Arabia to go ahead as scheduled despite nearby attack

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 kilometers (seven miles) from the F1 circuit. The attack happened while the first practice was taking place, and the 20 drivers later met Friday night in talks that stretched well past 2 a.m. to discuss safety concerns.

In a statement, F1 and governing body FIA confirmed Saturday 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 the event and for the future.”

There was a third and final practice session later Saturday scheduled to start at 5 p.m. local time with qualifying set to start under floodlights at 8 p.m.