This article needs additional citations for verification. (January 2024) |
On 25 March, the North Jeddah Bulk Plant owned by Saudi Aramco on the outskirts of Jeddah was attacked by drones and missiles, triggering a large fire. Yemen's Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for the attack.[1]
| 2022 Jeddah missile attack | |
|---|---|
| Part of the Saudi Arabian-led intervention in Yemen, and the Yemeni Civil War (2014-present) | |
| Location | Jeddah, Saudi Arabia |
| Date | 25 March 2022 |
| Target | Aramco oil depot |
Attack type | Missile strike |
| Perpetrators |  Houthis |
The attack is notable because it took place approximately 11 km (7 mi) from the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, where the 2022 Formula One Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was being held. Black smoke was visible from the circuit during the first practice session, with some drivers remarking on a "burning" smell in the car.[2] The second practice session was delayed by 15 minutes to allow for an emergency meeting between the drivers, team principals and Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali.[3] Despite the attack, Formula One and the organisers announced that the event would continue as planned.[4][5]
The Grand Prix Drivers' Association held a further meeting with the drivers at 22:00 local time; all drivers agreed to participate for the remainder of the event after four and a half hours of talks. According to the BBC, Formula One's management, staff, drivers & spectators were reassured over security and convinced to carry on the race weekend after being warned of "the consequences of not racing", which reportedly included potentially being denied exit visa to leave the country in the event of a boycott.[6]
References
edit- ^ Press, Associated (2022-03-25). "Fire breaks out at Jeddah oil depot before Saudi Arabia grand prix". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2024-06-22.
- ^ "'I smell burning, is it my car?': Missile attack rocks F1 before Saudi Arabian GP". News.com.au. 2022-03-26. Retrieved 2024-06-22.
- ^ Noble, Jonathan (25 March 2022). "Second Jeddah F1 practice delayed after emergency meeting". Motorsport.com. Motorsport Network. Archived from the original on 1 April 2022. Retrieved 25 March 2022.
- ^ "Saudi Arabia Grand Prix to continue as planned after attack at oil depot near Jeddah circuit". Sky Sports. Archived from the original on 25 April 2022. Retrieved 25 March 2022.
- ^ "Saudi Arabian Grand Prix going ahead despite rebel attack". Al Jazeera. 26 March 2022. Archived from the original on 3 April 2022. Retrieved 3 April 2022.
- ^ "Saudi GP to go ahead despite nearby attack". BBC. 26 March 2022. Archived from the original on 25 April 2022. Retrieved 26 March 2022.