Saudi Arabian GP set to go ahead despite attack near Jeddah circuit
Formula 1 bosses have said tomorrow's Saudi Arabian Grand Prix will go ahead despite an attack on a nearby fuel depot during practice.
Black smoke billowed across the Jeddah circuit as seventime world champion Lewis Hamilton and his fellow drivers took part in the first action of the weekend.
World champion Max Verstappen reported to his Red Bull team over the radio that he could detect the smoke but wasn’t sure where it was coming from. "I smell a bit of a burning feeling," he said. "I am not sure if it is my car, or another car."
The al-masirah satellite news channel run by Yemen's Houthi rebels claimed they had attacked an Aramco facility in Jeddah. The same fuel depot, 12 miles to the east of the track, was attacked last Sunday.
Second practice did not start until 8.15pm (5.15pm UK) following a short delay as the drivers and team principals were called by F1 boss Stefano Domenicali for a crisis summit. Shortly after the summit, race organisers said the grand prix - only the second to be staged in Saudi Arabia - will go ahead as scheduled.
A statement from the Saudi Motorsport Company read: "We are aware of the attack on the Aramco distribution station in Jeddah and remain in contact with the Saudi security authorities, as well as F1 and the FIA to ensure all necessary security and safety measures continue to be implemented to guarantee the safety of all visitors to the Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix as well as the drivers, teams and stakeholders.
"The race weekend scheduled will continue as planned. The safety and security of all our guests continues to be our main priority and we look forward to welcoming fans for a weekend of premium racing and entertainments."
Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc finished both practice sessions ahead of Verstappen. Hamilton was ninth and then improved to fifth.
Earlier, Hamilton reiterated his stance that he feels uncomfortable racing in Saudi Arabia.
Human rights' group, Reprieve, said a further 16 people have been killed since the mass execution of 81 men on March 12. The United Nations' High Commissioner for Human Rights, claimed more than half of the 81 were killed for taking part in prodemocracy protests.
Speaking ahead of last year's race, Hamilton said: "Do I feel comfortable here? I wouldn't say I do."
And yesterday, the 37-yearold added: "My position is still the same as last year. It is obviously mind-blowing to hear the stories. I have heard there is a letter that has been sent to me from a 14-year-old who is on death row here. At 14, you don't know what the hell you are doing in life.
"We don't decide where we go to race, but while it is not necessarily our responsibility, we are duty-bound to try and do what we can.
"It is important we try to educate ourselves, and with a little bit of difference, we can try to make sure we are doing something. But ultimately, it is the responsibility of those in power to really make the changes and we are not really seeing enough. We need to see more."