Saudi GP to go ahead after 'extensive discussion' and dramatic drivers' meeting

Saudi GP to go ahead after 'extensive discussion' and dramatic drivers' meeting

 

 

 
“Formula 1 and the FIA can confirm that following discussions with all the teams and drivers, the 2022 FIA Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix will continue as scheduled,” a joint statement by F1 and the FIA read on Saturday morning.”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.”It has been agreed with all the stakeholders to maintain a clear and open dialouge throughout the event and for the future.”Drivers were locked in intense talks for four-and-a-half hours as they discussed the situation surrounding the second round of the 2022 season after a missile was launched on an Aramco oil facility near the Jeddah Circuit on Friday afternoon. Related Driver meeting exceeds 4 hours as F1 team bosses return All 10 teams back F1’s decision to continue with Saudi raceSmoke was seen billowing in the distance from the track during the opening practice session on Friday. Yemen’s Houthi rebel group claimed responsibility for the attack on the oil depot.3032946.0064.jpg In response, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali and FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem called the first of a series of emergency meetings which delayed the start of second practice by 15 minutes. Domenicali confirmed that all 10 teams had unanimously agreed in the initial meeting to proceed with the Saudi Arabian GP after receiving guarantees over security at the event. But several drivers are understood to have expressed concerns over the race going ahead, resulting in an extraordinary meeting between all 20 drivers which lasted until the early hours of Saturday morning in Jeddah. Related F1 2022 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix – Free Practice Results (2) F1 Saudi Arabian GP to go ahead as planned despite attackF1 team principals rejoined the meeting at one stage, before leaving. The drivers finally broke off discussions at around 11.30pm GMT (2.30am local time). Despite indications that some drivers were unhappy to race and were willing to stage a potential boycott, agreement was eventually reached to continue with the event as scheduled after further information was provided by their bosses. “4Team principals including Red Bull’s Christian Horner, Mercedes’ Toto Wolff, and McLaren boss Zak Brown were heard stating “we will be racing” as they left the paddock at the end of a dramatic day. Domenicali had insisted that security for the grand prix has been a priority for the authorities, while Ben Sulayem stressed that the Jeddah race would not be a target. F1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix: Free Practice 1 full results | Free Practice 2 resultsF1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix: When is it? How can I watch?Max Verstappen hits out at Netflix: ‘F1 is not the Kardashians!’Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc had earlier set the pace during the first and second practice sessions, following up on last weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix win. “5Final practice is scheduled for Saturday at 2pm GMT before qualifying at 5pm GMT.3033152.0064.jpg  

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