War in the Middle East, F1, MotoGP and WEC races at risk. FIA: “We will decide whether to race based on safety”

USA-Iran war, consequences also on motorsports

The conflict in the Middle East triggered by the attack of the United States and Israel on Iran has also had consequences on a sporting level. Iranian reprisals against other countries have caused a regional escalation of the war, which puts the stability of the entire area at risk.

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Among the states involved is also Qatar, which following the missiles launched towards Doha has suspended all football activities. It is expected that the decision of the Qatari authorities will also extend to motorsports, which has many prominent races scheduled for early spring. In Lusail, the prologue that opens the championship (22-23 March) and the 1812 km on 28 March are held, and a little later the MotoGP weekend (10-12 April) takes place.

Obviously, the problem is not only the (primary) one of the safety of the drivers, the public, and all team and Federation members, but also a logistical one. Getting equipment to the Arabian Peninsula is almost impossible: most Middle Eastern countries have in fact closed their airspace, and even just the trip to Australia forced Formula 1 teams to reschedule flights.

At the moment, the FIA, through President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, has limited itself to expressing sorrow for the geopolitical tensions, hoping for a rapid return to stability. The Emirati stressed that “safety and well-being will guide our decisions in evaluating the upcoming events scheduled for WEC and Formula 1“. Indeed, because the Circus is also involved: not only have the Pirelli tests in Bahrain been canceled, but after Melbourne, China, and Suzuka, the calendar includes Sakhir (10-12 April) and Jeddah (17-19 April).

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