(Motorsport) The Saudi Grand Prix is set to go ahead despite an attack on an oil depot close to the Jeddah circuit, with Formula 1 authorities receiving complete reassurance about safety from the Saudi Arabia government. Seven miles from the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, an Aramco oil depot was set ablaze during the first practice and the smoke was visible from the track. Since then, Yemen’s Houthis rebels have claimed responsibility for the attack. 

The first practice continued as expected but there was a 15 minute delay in the second practice session  F1 president Domenicali and the FIA's Mohammed Ben Sulayem met with drivers and team principals. There was another meeting held after the second practice session which included the Saudi delegation after which the Saudi Grand Prix was confirmed to go ahead. 

Speaking after the meeting, Domenicali said “We have received total assurance of the country's safety first. They have placed all the systems to protect this area. So, we feel confident that we have to trust the local authority in that respect. We will of course go ahead with the event."

Mohammed Ben Sulayem added “We had meetings with the high level security then we had meetings with the team principals and the drivers," the FIA president said. "And to assure you that, they are targeting the infrastructure of the economy, not the civilians and, of course, not the track. Of course we have checked the facts from them and we have had the assurance from the high authorities of the safety here and let's go racing."

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said: "It was a good meeting, the drivers are going to talk now at a drivers' meeting. We are the team principals, we've been assured we are protected here and it's probably the safest place you can be in Saudi Arabia at the moment and that's why we are racing. [It was a unanimous decision] By the team principals, yes."

Red Bull principal Christian Horner added: "I think the sport has to stand together collectively. Any act of terrorism cannot be condoned and sport shouldn't be bullied into a position – a situation like that just isn't acceptable. Stefano and the president are dealing with it, there has been all of the assurances from the organisers and we'll be going racing."

Drivers, whose scheduled media commitments were cancelled, held the Friday briefing as per usual along with the race director. The talks continued for four hours and into the early hours of Saturday morning, after which the drivers agreed to participate in the race. A statement by Formula 1 said “We are aware of the attack on the Aramco distribution station in Jeddah earlier this afternoon. 

“The race organisers remain in direct 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 STC Saudi Arabian Grand Prix as well as all drivers, teams and stakeholders. The race weekend schedule 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 entertainment."

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