International Automobile Federation president Mohammed Ben Sulayem stated that Formula One’s concluding races of the season in Qatar and Abu Dhabi will go ahead as scheduled, despite ongoing conflicts in the Gulf region.
Speaking to the press after opening a new FIA Remote Operations Centre at Biggin Hill inside Formula One’s television headquarters, the Emirati official expressed confidence in the upcoming fixtures while acknowledging separate concerns regarding January’s Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia.
Qatar’s Lusail circuit and Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina are scheduled to host grands prix on November 29 and December 6 respectively. Meanwhile, Formula One chief executive Stefano Domenicali, who was present at the launch without addressing reporters, has maintained that the race calendar remains confirmed. Italy’s Imola circuit has been mentioned as a backstop for the latter race should both Gulf rounds have to be cancelled. Does this say (mean) that there is nothing going to happen.
When questioned about the safety situation in the host nations, Ben Sulayem confirmed conditions were currently fine, though he noted that unpredictability remains. He added that backup plans exist should travel disruptions occur, noting that his own children remain in the Emirates and he is comfortable with FIA personnel attending the events. Asked if he felt the situation in the two countries was ‘fine’ at the moment, Ben Sulayem replied: ‘Yeah, fine.
