The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Formula 1 “can continue as planned” despite the attacks perpetrated this Friday in that countryespecially in an installation oil company in Jeddahnot far from the circuit where the race takes place, assured the promoter of the championship.
“Formula 1 is in close contact with the competent authorities about the current situation. The authorities have confirmed that the event can continue as planned and we will continue to be in close contact with them and the teams, closely monitoring the situation,” the organizer said in a statement.
The Yemeni Houthi rebels claimed on Friday a series of drone and missile attacks on Saudi Arabia, which caused a huge fire at an Aramco oil company facility in the city of Jeddah.
“We carried out several drone and ballistic missile attacks”, including an “Aramco facility in Jeddah (e) vital facilities in Riyadh”, the Houthi rebels said in a statement.
The Saudi-led coalitiona, which fights against the rebels backed by Iran, confirmed the attackwhich occurred on the eve of the seventh anniversary of his military intervention in the brutal civil war in Yemen.
The attack did not cause victimyes, but the smoke was visible from the circuitwhere the first free practice sessions were held for Sunday’s race.
The Red Bull world champion, Max Verstappen even said he could smell the fire while driving. “I have a burning smell… is it my car?” the Dutchman asked over the team radio.
The second round of scheduled free practice had to be delayed.
Saudi Arabia leads a military coalition that has been fighting for seven years against this rebel group and in support of the Yemeni government.
On several occasions, the Houthi rebels have attacked oil installations in a context in which Western powers are pressuring oil-producing countries to increase production to contain crude prices, which have escalated since the invasion launched by Russia against Ukraine a month ago. (D)
Source: Eluniverso
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