Formula 1 and governing body the FIA have issued an official statement confirming that this weekend's Saudi Arabian Grand Prix will go ahead as planned. It follows a series of stakeholder meetings in the wake of a missile attack on a nearby oil depot on Friday, which caused a large fire and led to acrid smoke permeating through the Jeddah paddock and across the circuit during first practice. Having called initial meetings either side of the second practice session, F1 and FIA chiefs - supported by team bosses - stated that the weekend would continue, with assurances received regarding safety. Later on, the proceedings were thrown into fresh doubt when drivers broke off and headed into their own four-hour meeting, but it emerged afterwards that the decision to race had not been overturned.
F1 issue an official statement over the Saudi Arabian GP
On Saturday, a statement from F1 and the FIA confirmed once again that the weekend will proceed, with final practice, qualifying and the race to follow. "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," read the statement. "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 stakeholders to maintain a clear and open dialogue throughout the event and for the future." Saturday's final practice session in Jeddah is due to get underway at 17:00 local time (14:00 GMT).
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