FERRARI boss Mattia Binotto has declared that the Formula One drivers are still not 100 per cent happy about racing in Sunday’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
There were fears that the second race of the 2022 season could be called off following Friday’s terror attack just miles away from the Jeddah circuit.
Mattia Binotto has claimed that the Formula One drivers are not fully happy about competing in the Saudi Arabian GP this weekend
Smoke could be seen on Friday near the Jeddah circuit following a terrorist attack
The incident came just days after a petroleum depot was attacked by rebels.
Responsibility for the attack was claimed by Yemen’s Houthi rebels who have been battling the Saudi-backed government.
Following a four-hour crisis meeting, it was announced that the Saudi Arbaian GP was to still go ahead.
Drivers were given assurances from the Saudi government that the race was safe to continue.
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But Ferrari team principal Binotto has stated that drivers are still not totally happy to compete this weekend.
He remarked: “I don’t think we said they are 100 per cent happy and fully relaxed.
“Certainly they are still concerned but they have listened to the assurances we gave them and they understand the importance to stay here, and try to race because that is the best choice we can make.
“Leaving the country would not have been the right choice.
“There is no doubt that all of us were concerned because it is not a normal situation for something like this to happen so close to the circuit.
“But we have had assurances from F1, the Saudi government, and the security agencies that everything is safe, and that needed to be explained to the drivers.
“It was important for them to meet, discuss and raise their voice.
“They are the stars of the sport and it is important they are listened to.
‘”And while negative comments are not great, the fact they met and had the opportunity to argue and listen and to get assurance was an important and a positive one.”
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