The 12 elevated events will be the three FedExCup Playoffs, the Genesis Invitational, Arnold Palmer Invitational, Memorial Tournament, WGC-Dell Match Play, Sentry Tournament of Champions and four events to be announced; Top golfers will play a minimum of three other regular PGA Tour events
Last Updated: 24/08/22 3:23pm
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Jay Monahan say he is ‘inspired by our great players and their commitment’ as he outlines four key items to improve the PGA Tour.
Jay Monahan say he is ‘inspired by our great players and their commitment’ as he outlines four key items to improve the PGA Tour.
Golf’s “top players” have committed to play at least 20 PGA Tour events a year, commissioner Jay Monahan has announced.
The 20 events include the four major championships, the Players Championship and 12 “elevated” tournaments on the PGA Tour which will have an average purse of $20million (£17million).
Players will then choose a minimum of three other PGA Tour events to add to their schedules as the Tour bids to combat the threat posed by the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Series.
“Our top players are firmly behind the Tour, helping us deliver an unmatched product to our fans, who will be all but guaranteed to see the best players competing against each other in 20 events or more throughout the season,” Monahan said in a press conference ahead of the Tour Championship.
Asked if LIV Golf players who were impressed by the changes to the PGA Tour would be welcomed back, Monahan said: “No.
“They’ve joined the LIV Golf Series and they’ve made that commitment and many have made a multi-year commitment.
“I’ve been clear throughout, every player has a choice and I respect that choice. I think they understand that.”
Prize money of 145,000 on offer during expanded Women’s Series in 2023; Women’s World Matchplay will be staged again next year; inaugural Women’s World Matchplay live on Sky Sports Action from 1pm on Sunday, with Fallon Sherrock and Lisa Ashton among the players involved
Last Updated: 23/07/22 9:12am
Fallon Sherrock is one of the eight players participating in the inaugural Women’s World Matchplay in Blackpool on Sunday
The Professional Darts Corporation has announced that its Women’s Series will expand to 24 events for the 2023 season with £145,000 in prize money to be offered in total.
The eight-player Women’s World Matchplay – which is being staged for the first time this Sunday in Blackpool, live on Sky Sports from 1pm – will return in 2023.
Fallon Sherrock and Lisa Ashton are among the players competing at the first Women’s World Matchplay.
Qualification for that event next year will come from a 12-month Order of Merit commencing from the Women’s Series events in August 2022.
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Laura Turner has the lowdown on the players who will be battling it out at the inaugural Women’s World Matchplay on Sunday, live on Sky Sports
Laura Turner has the lowdown on the players who will be battling it out at the inaugural Women’s World Matchplay on Sunday, live on Sky Sports
Live Women’s World Matchplay Darts
July 24, 2022, 1:00pm
Live on
The Order of Merit will include eight tournaments across the remaining two Women’s Series weekends of 2022 as well as an expected 12 events in the first half of 2023.
Twenty-four Women’s Series events will be held across six weekends next year. Each tournament is worth £5,000 in prize money.
PDC Chief Executive Matt Porter said: “We’ve been hugely encouraged by the increased interest in the PDC Women’s Series this year, with entries up by 50 percent to 100 on average, and there’s a lot of excitement ahead of the Betfred Women’s World Matchplay on Sunday.
“The Women’s World Matchplay will feature a great mix of experienced players and emerging faces, and it’s going to be fascinating to see them on stage at the Winter Gardens challenging for that title.
“With players also competing in the Cazoo Grand Slam of Darts and Cazoo World Championship, the opportunities for women within the PDC have never been greater and it’s a boost that we can continue to grow this aspect of the sport in 2023.”
Sherrock (left) plays Katie Sheldon in this Sunday’s quarter-finals, with Lisa Ashton (right) to open up against Chloe O’Brien
The Women’s Series will continue with events 13-16 in Hildesheim, Germany on August 27-28 ahead of the year’s final weekend in Wigan on October 29-30 with events 17-20.
2022 Women’s World Matchplay Sunday July 24 Draw Bracket (1) Lisa Ashton v (8) Chloe O’Brien (4) Aileen de Graaf v (5) Laura Turner (2) Fallon Sherrock v (7) Katie Sheldon (3) Lorraine Winstanley v (6) Rhian Griffiths
Format Quarter-Finals – Best of seven legs Semi-Finals – Best of nine legs Final – Best of 11 legs
Check out daily Darts news on skysports.com/darts, our app for mobile devices and our Twitter account @skysportsdarts. Watch the inaugural Women’s World Matchplay live on Sky Sports Action from 1pm on Sunday.
It is a day to stop and purposefully recognize and celebrate “the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples,” according to the Government of Canada.
The federal recognition of the date came in 1996.
The particular date was chosen because it was on or close to the date many Indigenous folks marked the summer solstice as the longest day of the year.
Here’s how the day is being marked in the Sea to Sky.
The library says: “Join Ta Síiy̓uxwa tl’a Sḵwx̱wú7meshulh (The Elders of the Squamish People) Kwa-Kwain-Kwulth-enexw Linda Williams and Khapquolanogh Henry Williams for a morning of storytelling followed by a group discussion.”
Who: Register by email library@squamish.ca.
When: June 22 at 10:30:am
Cost: Free
In Whistler
Where: Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC) near the Upper Village
What: A celebration of Skw̲xw̲ú7mesh (Squamish People) and Líl̓wat7úl (Lil’wat People).
The day will include musical performances by the Spiritual Warriors and the Spo7ez Performance Team and spoken word from SLCC ambassador and hip-hop artist Jay Natrell, also known as The Prophet.
The SLCC’s latest exhibit, Ancient Medicines: From Feast to Famine to Freedom also opens June 21. On the same day, the museum will play host to storytelling, live carving as part of the Community Reconciliation Canoe project, an artist market featuring traditional and contemporary work from Lil’wat and Squamish Nation artists, and activities, as well as a yoga session in Itsken Hall led by lululemon.
When: June 21 for free events. National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebrations continue until July 3.
What: Indigenous Storytelling by Ta Síiy̓uxwa tl’a Sḵwx̱wú7meshulh (The Elders of the Squamish People).
The West Van library says those who register will join Ta Síiy̓uxwa tl’a Sḵwx̱wú7meshulh (Elder of the Squamish People)
with Chief Bill Williams Talalsamkin Siyam for a morning of storytelling followed by group discussion.
Williams Talalsamkin Siyam is a Hereditary Chief of Seaichem Reserve in the Squamish Valley. One of 16 Hereditary Chiefs who Amalgamated in 1923 to form what is called Squamish Chiefs and Council.
When: Tuesday, June 28, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Who: Register by filling out the form on the West Vancouver library site.
Andy Murray, Cameron Norrie, Dan Evans, Jack Draper, Joe Salisbury, Neal Skupski, Jamie Murray, Alfie Hewett and Gordon Reid are among the British stars to have confirmed their entries for the LTA’s upcoming Surbiton and Queen’s Club events.
Last Updated: 18/05/22 11:34am
Andy Murray has enjoyed great success at Queen’s Club
Andy Murray has been confirmed as part of a strong British field set to compete in the upcoming Queen’s Club and Surbiton Trophy grass court events.
The three-time major champion and former men’s world No 1 returns as a wildcard to Queen’s Club on June 13, where he has previously won six ATP Tour titles, as well as featuring in the ATP Challenger event at the Surbiton Trophy from May 29.
“I’m really looking forward to playing at Surbiton and Queen’s this year – two great events,” said Murray. “It’s always special playing on the grass in front of a home crowd.”
British men’s No 1 Cameron Norrie will look to continue his impressive year, which includes a win at the Indian Wells Masters in October, by attempting to go one better at Queen’s Club after reaching the final last time out.
Cameron Norrie beat John Isner to reach the third round in Madrid
Dan Evans competes on the back of reaching the quarter-finals at Queen’s last year, while young Jack Draper has been awarded a wildcard for the cinch Championships after reaching the last eight in 2021.
Draper impressed over the first half of the 2022 campaign with four tournament wins on the ATP Challenger Tour as he closes in on the top 100.
Two-time major champion Joe Salisbury, Miami Masters winner Neal Skupski and seven-time major champion Jamie Murray will also represent Britain on the doubles court.
Jack Draper put up a valiant effort against Andrey Rublev at the Madrid Open
Wheelchair star Alfie Hewett, who won in both the Australian Open singles and doubles in January, will meanwhile compete alongside Gordon Reid.
“To see so many of our British players thriving at the top of the game highlights the progress our sport has made in recent years, and it will be fantastic to see so many of them taking to the grass courts for the LTA’s summer events,” said Leon Smith, Head of Men’s Tennis at the LTA and Davis Cup captain.
“In a year that has seen Cam Norrie break into the top ten of the ATP rankings, Dan Evans and Andy Murray serve up some great performances, Joe Salisbury rise to No.1 spot in the doubles rankings, Neal Skupski win his first ATP 1000 event and Jack Draper continues to make such great progress, there is so much to look forward to this summer in our grass courts events leading into Wimbledon.”
Among those also competing at the cinch Championships are 2022 Miami Open and Madrid Open champion Carlos Alcaraz, defending Queen’s Club champion Matteo Berrettini, 2021 Wimbledon semi-finalist Denis Shapovalov, 2022 Indian Wells winner Taylor Fritz, three-time Gland Slam champion Stan Wawrinka and Casper Ruud.
On Sunday night if the skies are clear, Canadians will be able to watch one of the most beautiful celestial events there is: a total lunar eclipse.
This is the first total lunar eclipse of the year and the first since last May. The best part is it will be visible across the entire country, though not all Canadians will see the full five-and-a-half hour event.
The eclipse begins late Sunday evening and lasts until early Monday morning.
Lunar eclipses occur when the moon passes through Earth’s shadow.
The moon actually has two shadows: One is the penumbra — Earth’s fainter outer shadow — but it’s almost imperceptible to the human eye. The most exciting and dramatic part, however, is when the moon glides across Earth’s inner, darker shadow, the umbra.
During this time, depending on the atmosphere, the moon can appear to turn a shade of red, which is why sometimes total lunar eclipses are referred to as “blood moons.”
A total lunar eclipse is pictured over Toronto on Jan. 21, 2019. (Nicole Mortillaro)
This eclipse also occurs close to when the moon is at perigee, or closest in its monthly orbit — which is why this is sometimes called a “supermoon” lunar eclipse (though it’s difficult for humans to notice the slight size difference).
And as if a “blood moon” and a “supermoon” weren’t enough names for this event, this month is also the “flower moon.” the name given by the Old Farmer’s Almanac for this month’s full moon.
How to see it
Unlike total solar eclipses, where totality (when the moon covers the disk of the sun) can last just a minute or a few, totality in lunar eclipses can last for more than an hour.
The eclipse itself, however, will last roughly five and a half hours. It begins when the moon enters the penumbra, but as mentioned earlier, it will be imperceptible to the human eye.
The excitement begins when the moon enters the umbra. Initially, it will appear as though something has taken a little bite out of the moon. This is the partial phase of the eclipse. As the night progresses, however, that “bite” becomes larger and larger.
This map illustrates how much of the eclipse will be visible where you live. (CBC News)
Then, as it enters totality, most of the moon may appear a faint reddish colour as Earth’s atmosphere scatters the light from the sun, which will lie directly behind it. Light with longer wavelengths — such as orange and red — refract, or bend, around the Earth, where it eventually reaches the moon.
There are some predictions that, due to the dust released in the giant Tongan volcanoe eruption in January, the dust in the atmosphere may make this a dark eclipse: Instead of being red, it may be darkened by quite a bit.
The eclipse will be seen in its entirety in the east and will be underway when the moon rises west of Ontario.
In order to enjoy it, all you have to do is go outside and look up — and hope for clear skies. No binoculars or telescope is needed, although since the eclipse begins late in the evening in some parts of the country and lasts for almost six hours, you may want to stay up late.
Some concerned Calgarians are urging people to think twice before firing up the lights around their homes each night.
Reducing the use of those lights would help those studying the stars and also improve life here on Earth.
“As the light pollution grows, that background light gets brighter and brighter, and begins to hide all the very faint and interesting things we’re trying to study,” University of Calgary astronomy professor Phil Langill said.
Langill and several of his students are spreading the word on an event that begins Friday, April 22: International Dark Sky Week.
“To remind people about the light that they use at night and the ill effects that it can have,” Langill said.
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“If there’s a big bright street light across the street shining into your window, that interrupts the quality of your sleep. When I get behind on my sleep, I’m a sitting duck for getting a cold and I get cranky.”
Jasper Dark Sky Festival gets underway
Jasper Dark Sky Festival gets underway – Oct 16, 2021
Using an abundance of lights can also cause problems for wildlife.
“Where there are lots of tall buildings, the birds get confused. They think that maybe they’re flying through a forest and the light is the space between the trees,” Langill said.
“They crash into the buildings and die. It’s very sad.”
University of Alberta dark sky preserve observatory a first for Western Canada
University of Alberta dark sky preserve observatory a first for Western Canada – Jan 16, 2021
People promoting International Dark Sky Week are encouraging others to take steps to cut back on their use of lights.
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“It’s always good to be a little bit more mindful when you’re using lights and take a moment to turn them off when you don’t need them,” U of C student Avmeet Kaur said.
Sky chart showing the close conjunction of Mars and Saturn before sunrise on April 4.
(NASA/JPL-Caltech)
If you can tolerate the scorching temperatures, there’s a bright side to April’s summer days, especially if you are a star-gazer: stunning, clear skies.
They provide an impeccable chance to cherish the beauty of our cosmic neighbourhood, and this April has some big astronomical events in store — ranging from meteor showers to the conjunction of planets.
Here’s a complete list, so you can clear your calendars in advance and pin down the dates:
April 1
On this day, planets Mars, Saturn, and Venus will be positioned in a straight line in the southeastern sky.
Also, this day marks the New Moon phase, making it the ideal time to capture faint objects such as galaxies and star clusters with no interference from moonlight.
April 4
Saturn and Mars will make a close approach during the dawn and be visible in the same field of the telescope. The pair can be spotted in the constellation Capricornus before sunrise.
April 16
This would be the night of a fully illuminated Moon. Depending on which part of the world you live in, this particular Full Moon is also referred to as the Pink Moon, Sprouting Grass Moon, the Growing Moon, Fish Moon and the Egg Moon.
April 21-22
Sky-watchers can witness peak Lyrid meteor shower on these nights. Named after the constellation Lyra, it is regarded as one of the oldest recorded meteor showers.
The annual meteor shower is usually active between April 16 to 25, and produces over 20 meteors per hour on peak nights.
All you need to watch them is a clear sky, away from city lights.
April 25
Early risers will be able to spot Saturn, Mars, Venus, Jupiter and the Moon in the morning sky. The alignment can be spotted on the eastern horizon.
April 29
Planet Mercury will reach its Greatest Eastern Elongation of 20.6 degrees from the Sun. The planet can be spotted in the western sky just after sunset.
April 30
A partial solar eclipse will gaze the sky, but it will only be visible from southern South America, parts of Antarctica, and over the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.
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The F1 and FIA confirmed on Saturday morning that, following discussions with teams and drivers, the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix will go ahead as scheduled
The F1 and FIA confirmed on Saturday morning that, following discussions with teams and drivers, the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix will go ahead as scheduled
Formula 1’s Saudi Arabian GP is set to go ahead despite concerns from drivers after an attack on an oil depot close to the Jeddah circuit.
F1’s grid of 20 drivers met for over four hours after practice on Friday and talks – which included team bosses and F1 chiefs – continued until 2.30am local time on Saturday in Saudi Arabia.
The Grand Prix Drivers’ Association – which all drivers are members of – released a statement on Saturday morning admitting a “difficult and stressful day” and “human concerns” in the wake of a missile attack on a nearby oil facility during Friday practice, but confirming they would continue after being assured that “security measures were being elevated to the maximum”.
Sky Sports understands that Lewis Hamilton, Carlos Sainz and Pierre Gasly were leading concerns, although the drivers eventually agreed that the event would continue.
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Sky F1’s Simon Lazenby provides an update on developments after a fire erupted at an oil depot in Jeddah, which Yemen’s Houthi rebels claim was an attack by the group.
Sky F1’s Simon Lazenby provides an update on developments after a fire erupted at an oil depot in Jeddah, which Yemen’s Houthi rebels claim was an attack by the group.
On Saturday morning, F1 and the FIA reiterated that final practice and qualifying would go ahead as planned later, with Sunday’s race to follow.
“Formula 1 and the FIA can confirm that following discussions with all the teams and drivers, the 2022 FIA Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix will continue as scheduled,” read a statement.
“Following the widely reported incident that took place in Jeddah on Friday, there has been extensive discussion between all stakeholders, the Saudi government authorities and security agencies who have given full and detailed assurances that the event is secure.
“It has been agreed with all stakeholders to maintain a clear and open dialogue throughout the event and for the future.”
Shortly after, a statement from the GPDA meanwhile said: “Yesterday was a difficult day for Formula One and a stressful day for us Formula One drivers.
“Perhaps it is hard to comprehend if you have never driven an F1 car on this fast and challenging Jeddah track, but on seeing the smoke from the incident it was difficult to remain a fully focused race driver and erase natural human concerns.
“Consequently we went into long discussions between ourselves, with our team principals, and with the most senior people who run our sport. A large variety of opinions were shared and debated and, having listened not only to the Formula 1 powers but also to the Saudi government ministers who explained how security measures were being elevated to the maximum, the outcome was a resolution that we would practice and qualify today and race tomorrow.
“We therefore hope that the 2022 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix will be remembered as a good race rather than for the incident that took place yesterday.
Yemen’s Houthi rebel group have taken responsibility for the attack.
An oil depot – around seven miles from the track and owned by F1 sponsor Aramco – was set ablaze during first practice in Saudi and a large black smoke cloud could be seen from the circuit.
The fire was still burning late on Friday night and there was still smoke pouring into the sky on Saturday morning.
Saudi Arabian authorities say there were no casualties from the attack.
Final practice begins at 2pm on Sky Sports F1, with qualifying to follow at 5pm.
Slater: I can’t say the drivers were absolutely unanimous
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Craig Slater says that as a group of drivers they have agreed it’s correct to carry on with Saudi Arabian GP
Craig Slater says that as a group of drivers they have agreed it’s correct to carry on with Saudi Arabian GP
Analysis by Sky Sports News’ Craig Slater
“They had a very long discussion yesterday, all 20 drivers, for around about four hours, the vast majority of that time dealing with concerns about the rocket attack.”
“They sought the most robust assurances they could about the level of safety, what had gone on and how they saw things developing from here.
“Among those leading the conversations were the likes of Lewis Hamilton, Carlos Sainz, Pierre Gasly, Mick Schumacher as well. In the end, I can’t say they were absolutely unanimous that it was the right thing to proceed, but as a group of drivers they have agreed that it is correct to carry on and that is what is happening.
“We’ve had the drivers included in both the FIA and F1 statement and also this from the GPDA. Quite poignant, wasn’t it, maybe one or two things we hadn’t thought about raised by that GPDA statement, including how the drivers were feeling as they saw black clouds of smoke from close to the circuit and they’re driving around at speeds of 200mph.
“You have to be fully concentrated to do that kind of thing and to be concerned and worried is surely very destabilising. In the immediate aftermath, we didn’t know if it was an accident or an attack, now it’s confirmed it was an attack there’s that extra level of concern with ‘could it happen again?’
“We heard the FIA president saying in effect ‘don’t worry, the Houthi rebels claiming responsibility for it are targeting infrastructure like oil depots and refineries.
“What I would say, F1 and the FIA answered as best they could all the drivers’ questions and gave them as much time and room to ask the questions they wanted to ask.”
F1 and FIA presidents insist Saudi GP is safe
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F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said the Saudi Arabia GP will go ahead after there was an attack at a nearby oil depot
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said the Saudi Arabia GP will go ahead after there was an attack at a nearby oil depot
Before the F1 drivers continued their meetings in the Jeddah paddock, the sport’s president Stefano Domenicali insisted they had received support from drivers to continue and “total assurance” about safety from authorities.
The attack took place during first practice, which continued as normal, though there was a 15-minute delay to the start of second practice as drivers and team principals met with F1 president Domenicali and the FIA’s Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
There was another meeting following P2, which was also attended by a Saudi delegation, after which the F1 and FIA chiefs emerged at 10:40pm local time and insisted the Grand Prix would be going ahead.
The fire at the North Jeddah Bulk Plant happened around seven miles from the Jeddah circuit
“We have received total assurance of the country’s safety first,” said Domenicali. “They have placed all the systems to protect this area. So, we feel confident that we have to trust the local authority in that respect. We will of course go ahead with the event.”
Ben Sulayem added that attackers were “not targeting the track”.
“We had meetings with the high-level security then we had meetings with the team principals and the drivers,” the FIA president said. “And to assure you that, they are targeting the infrastructure of the economy not the civilians and, of course, not the track.
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Red Bull’s Christian Horner and Mercedes’ Toto Wolff say they have been assured safety and have come to a unanimous decision to keep racing after a nearby oil outlet was attacked at the Saudi Arabia GP.
Red Bull’s Christian Horner and Mercedes’ Toto Wolff say they have been assured safety and have come to a unanimous decision to keep racing after a nearby oil outlet was attacked at the Saudi Arabia GP.
“Of course, we have checked the facts from them and we have had the assurance from the high authorities of the safety here and let’s go racing.”
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said: “It was a good meeting, the drivers are going to talk now at a drivers’ meeting. We are the team principals, we’ve been assured we are protected here and it’s probably the safest place you can be in Saudi Arabia at the moment and that’s why we are racing. [It was a unanimous decision] by the team principals, yes.”
Red Bull principal Christian Horner added: “I think the sport has to stand together collectively. Any act of terrorism cannot be condoned and sport shouldn’t be bullied into a position – a situation like that just isn’t acceptable. Stefano and the president are dealing with it, there has been all of the assurances from the organisers and we’ll be going racing.”
The drivers, who had their scheduled media commitments cancelled, then met to discuss the situation.
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Watch the moment smoke was visible from the Jeddah Circuit in Saudi Arabia
Watch the moment smoke was visible from the Jeddah Circuit in Saudi Arabia
Yemen’s Houthi rebel group takes responsibility for attack | No casualties reported
Neither F1 nor the FIA have confirmed the blaze was caused by an attack.
However, Yemen’s Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for a barrage of attacks on the kingdom, according to the Associated Press, while the Saudi Motorsport Company also referenced an attack.
“We are aware of the attack on the Aramco distribution station in Jeddah earlier this afternoon,” a statement read.
“The race organisers remain in direct contact with the Saudi security authorities, as well as F1 and the FIA to ensure all necessary security and safety measures continue to be implemented to guarantee the safety of all visitors to the Formula 1 STC Saudi Arabian Grand Prix as well as all drivers, teams and stakeholders.
“The race weekend schedule will continue as planned. The safety and security of all our guests continues to be our main priority and we look forward to welcoming fans for a weekend of premium racing and entertainment.”
Fire broke close to the Jeddah Corniche Circuit in Saudi Arabia during Friday’s practice
The blaze was centered on the same oil depot that the Houthis had attacked in recent days.
The al-Masirah satellite news channel run by Yemen’s Houthi rebels claimed they had attacked an Aramco facility in Jeddah, along with other targets in Riyadh and elsewhere. The report provided no further details.
Saudi state TV acknowledged that a “hostile operation” had taken place at the Aramco facility in Jeddah, with Reuters reporting there had been no casualties and that the fire was under control.
All driver media sessions were cancelled on Friday evening, although near the end of first practice Verstappen said on team radio: “I smell a bit of a burning feeling. I am not sure if it is my car, or another car.”
His engineer Gianpiero Lambiase replied: “We are happy it is not your car.”
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Max Verstappen stated he could feel ‘burning’ in his Red Bull F1 car during first practice at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit.
Max Verstappen stated he could feel ‘burning’ in his Red Bull F1 car during first practice at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit.
Explaining the situation in Jeddah
Analysis by Sky Sports News’ Craig Slater
“We have learnt that the explosion was caused by an attack on an Aramco oil plant setting two tanks ablaze.
“Reuters have reported there are no casualties.
“Houthi rebels from Yemen have claimed responsibility for this, they did so soon after the event on a satellite news channel they run. There has been an ongoing conflict in Yemen, government forces aided by a Saudi-led coalition have effectively been in a civil war with rebels for the past seven years and these rocket attacks have been a fairly regular yet infrequent occurrence and Jeddah has been targeted before but shocking that it could happen during such a big event.
“It took a while for F1 to stand up the reports that it was indeed an attack, that they wanted confirmation from the Saudi authorities. What F1 have said though is that they have been in close contact with the relevant authorities over the situation, as they still continue to call it, today.
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Watch the moment smoke was visible from the Jeddah Circuit in Saudi Arabia
Watch the moment smoke was visible from the Jeddah Circuit in Saudi Arabia
“The authorities have confirmed that the event can continue as planned.
“Formula One knew about the possibility of these rocket attacks before they came out here. I spoke to Prince Khalid, who is the Chairman of the circuit at Silverstone and he had assured me the air defence systems were adequate enough to stop an attack getting through.
“Domenicali is on site and able to deal with this situation. It was a little surprising when we heard it was a deliberate attack because what is there to say what those individuals might attack next. They have never given any indication they would attack the Grand Prix itself of course but does it have to be considered a health and safety risk.
“It all happened very quickly. Formula One does exist, if I am honest, in a little bit of a bubble away from the significant events from around the race tracks around the world and the show carries on.”
“At face value, at least, Formula One and the race promoter admitted that the safety of all our guests continues to be the priority and we look forward to welcoming fans for a weekend of entertainment.”
