Abu Dhabi and Qatar GPs - yes or no?
Discussion
Do any of the “insiders” on this forum have any news or views about the likelihood of these races going ahead? I am aware that the official FIA position is currently that they will happen but with the activity in Saudi and the potential of that to spill into the Gulf plus the possibility of the US resuming hostilities after the mid-terms one has to wonder?
I have a vested interest as we booked the Abu Dhabi race months ago (before the US/Iran conflict started) but so far have managed to hold off confirming flights and hotac but will have to commit soon. My worry is that I end up with non refundable flights and hotel and then the race is cancelled. Arguably a bit of a first world problem in the grand scheme of things but any information would be appreciated.
I have a vested interest as we booked the Abu Dhabi race months ago (before the US/Iran conflict started) but so far have managed to hold off confirming flights and hotac but will have to commit soon. My worry is that I end up with non refundable flights and hotel and then the race is cancelled. Arguably a bit of a first world problem in the grand scheme of things but any information would be appreciated.
I dont really care to be honest, these places are now the go to for a lot of sports because they pay rights holders huge amount of money, so the sport will push to go there regardless of risk.
I dont think anyone actually WANTs to go there in reality.
And we all know why they do, money. They say to expand the sport to new markets, but we now have 65 races a year is that really necessary? Same as MotoGP, it's about money, nothing else. They still have 4 bloody races a year in Spain
I dont think anyone actually WANTs to go there in reality.
And we all know why they do, money. They say to expand the sport to new markets, but we now have 65 races a year is that really necessary? Same as MotoGP, it's about money, nothing else. They still have 4 bloody races a year in Spain
Edited by bergclimber34 on Friday 16th October 17:16
I live in UAE and also have tickets to Abu Dhabi.
The issue is that Abu Dhabi have no intention of cancelling the race, and F1 can t cancel it without triggering a whole load of insurance clauses. The pressure is on the promoter to cancel, but why would they? There s an eight-figure monetary sum involved as the race fee to FOM.
Thy key is the UK Foreign Office travel advice, which was changed some months ago with regard to UAE. The advice is no longer not to travel , but something along the lines of exercise caution travelling there, which applies to half a dozen F1 venues already with no insurance issues.
Edit to add: local airlines and hotels have been really good with rebooking policies this year, they re relying on the tourism income and will generally allow dates to be rescheduled if events don t take place.
The issue is that Abu Dhabi have no intention of cancelling the race, and F1 can t cancel it without triggering a whole load of insurance clauses. The pressure is on the promoter to cancel, but why would they? There s an eight-figure monetary sum involved as the race fee to FOM.
Thy key is the UK Foreign Office travel advice, which was changed some months ago with regard to UAE. The advice is no longer not to travel , but something along the lines of exercise caution travelling there, which applies to half a dozen F1 venues already with no insurance issues.
Edit to add: local airlines and hotels have been really good with rebooking policies this year, they re relying on the tourism income and will generally allow dates to be rescheduled if events don t take place.
Edited by Sandpit Steve on Friday 16th October 17:25
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