Saudi GP bosses insists F1 race WILL go ahead despite fears over missile attack in Jeddah
SAUDI GP bosses say this weekend’s F1 race will NOT be derailed by rebel attacks on the country.
In Jeddah, which hosts the second race of the season this Sunday, a petrol depot was hit by missiles from Yemen’s Houthi group causing a fire.
But despite the tensions, GP chiefs are confident the race will go ahead as planned.
A statement from the race organisers said: “This incident has no bearing on the race weekend.
“As always, the safety and security of our guests remains our top priority.
“We are in constant contact with the relevant authorities and all necessary measures have been taken to ensure the safety of all visitors to the Formula One Saudi Arabian Grand Prix as well as participating personnel, staff and media.
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“We look forward to welcoming everyone to Jeddah this weekend for three days of great racing and entertainment.”
Reuters reported that the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen said it had intercepted and destroyed a “hostile air target” which was aimed towards the Red Sea city of Jeddah, according to Saudi state media.
Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi group had earlier attacked an Aramco distribution plant in Jeddah, after firing missiles and drones at Saudi energy and water desalination facilities in the southern Jizan region.
Al Arabiya English quoted a spokesman from The Arab Coalition, who said: “We destroyed 106 explosive-laden boats that posed a threat to the freedom of navigation in the southern Red Sea.”
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The Arab Coalition also announced that Saudi Arabia’s Air Defence Forces had intercepted and destroyed nine drones.
The 2022 F1 season kicked off in Bahrain at the weekend as Charles Leclerc claimed victory for Ferrari.
Carlos Sainz made it a one-two for the Scuderia, with Lewis Hamilton rounding off the podium places with an impressive third following a difficult few days for Mercedes.
But it was a weekend to forget for pre-season favourites Red Bull.
Defending champion Max Verstappen was forced to retire with three laps remaining when a podium place looked a certainty.
And his team-mate Sergio Perez suffered a similar fate moments later.
The Mexican was under pressure from Hamilton as he looked to hang on to third place, but ended up spinning and also having to retire.