Paris, 2 March (LaPresse/AP) – The president of the FIA, the governing body of Formula 1, has stated that he will prioritise ‘safety and well-being’ when deciding what to do about upcoming races in the Middle East, given the increasingly widespread conflict in the region. F1 races are scheduled for next month in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, both of which have been hit by attacks in recent days following joint strikes on Iran by the United States and Israel. The FIA statement also mentions the World Endurance Championship, one of the premier motorsport series, which will open its season in Qatar later this month. ‘We are in close contact with our member clubs, championship promoters, teams and colleagues on the ground, while we monitor developments carefully and responsibly,’ FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem posted on Instagram. "Safety and well-being will guide our decisions in assessing upcoming events scheduled for the FIA World Endurance Championship and the FIA F1 World Championship. Our organisation is based on unity and shared goals. This unity is important now more than ever,‘ he stressed. Ben Sulayem, a native of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, added: ’We are deeply saddened by the loss of life and stand with the families and communities affected,‘ adding that the FIA hopes for ’calm, safety and a swift return to stability." After pre-season testing in Bahrain last month, F1 teams and staff will travel to Melbourne for the season-opening Australian Grand Prix this week, despite travel disruptions. F1 races in China and Japan will take place later this month, ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix on 12 April and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix a week later.
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