An oil reserve of the national company Aramco was hit on Friday by a Houthi missile strike.
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Doubts were beginning to arise over a possible cancellation of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix after a rebel strike that set fire to an Aramco oil facility about ten kilometers from the circuit in the afternoon, Friday March 25. The championship promoter, Formula 1, put an end to these questions via a press release. The Race Weekend”can continue as planned“, he indicated.
“Formula 1 is in close contact with the relevant authorities regarding the current situation“, can we read further while a meeting with the leaders of each team was held after the second free practice session. A session, moreover, delayed by a quarter of an hour after a meeting between the pilots and organizers.
The Grand Prix, sponsored by Aramco, the company targeted by the strikes, seemed threatened for obvious security reasons. Smoke was also seen during the first free practice session. “JI smell a burning smell, is that my car?“, had also questioned Max Verstappen, reigning world champion.
Bon bon bon… an aramco facility 12 km from the circuit was allegedly attacked in Jeddah. pic.twitter.com/m2IKH2LHic
— To the Ruptor (@AuRupteur) March 25, 2022
The attack was claimed by the Houthis rebel group, involved in the conflict that has been going on since 2014 in Yemen. Saudi Arabia, committed to the Yemeni government and the Aramco company, are regularly targeted by this group.
“The authorities have confirmed that the event can continue as planned and we will remain in close contact with them and all stables, and we will closely monitor the situation“, seeks to reassure Formula 1.