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FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem says the governing body is looking closely at whether its upcoming races in the Middle East can go ahead.
The United States of America and Israel launched strikes against Iran on Saturday which killed its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran responded by launching strikes against US and Israeli targets in nearby countries.
Iranian missiles and drones hit facilities in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, countries which are due to host Formula 1 grands prix next month, and Qatar, which will be the scene of the first round of the World Endurance Championship at the end of March. The fighting has also spread to other countries in the Middle East.
Some sporting events have already been disrupted by the outbreak of war. Qatar and Bahrain’s football associations have postponed all matches until further notice.
Ben Sulayem said the safety of participants will be the key consideration as to whether events can go ahead under the current circumstances.
“We are in close contact with our member clubs, championship promoters, teams, and colleagues on the ground as we monitor developments carefully and responsibly,” said Ben Sulayem in a statement on social media. “Safety and wellbeing will guide our decisions as we assess the forthcoming events scheduled there for the FIA World Endurance Championship and the FIA Formula One World Championship.”
“My thoughts are with all those affected by the recent events in the Middle East,” Ben Sulayem added. “We are deeply saddened by the loss of life and stand with the families and communities impacted.
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“At this moment of uncertainty, we hope for calm, safety, and a swift return to stability. Dialogue and the protection of civilians must remain priorities.”
The Bahrain Grand Prix was cancelled in 2011 after the country’s government violently suppressed pro-democracy protests, though the event returned to the calendar the following year. The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was thrown into doubt when a Houthi missile strike occured a short distance from the Jeddah Corniche Circuit while practice for the 2022 race was underway, though the race went ahead.
This year’s Bahrain and Saudi Arabian grands prix are due to take place on consecutive weekends on April 12th and 19th respectively.
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