{
  "id": 15832592,
  "title": "FIA boss happy for F1 to race in Middle East, less sure about Dakar Rally",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/21/fia-boss-happy-for-f1-to-race-in-middle-east-less-sure-about-dakar",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-21T01:59:21.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/motor-sports/2026/10/1560291/fia-boss-happy-f1-race-middle-east-less-sure-about-dakar-rally"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem expressed his satisfaction with Formula One's plans to stage the final two races of the season in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, despite ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Meanwhile, his confidence in F1's ability to proceed is less certain for the Dakar Rally, set to take place in Saudi Arabia in January.\n\nSpeaking at the opening of a new FIA Remote Operations Centre in Biggin Hill, Ben Sulayem acknowledged concerns about the situation in Saudi Arabia but maintained that the two Gulf races would proceed as scheduled. F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali, who attended the opening but did not speak to reporters, affirmed that the calendar remains confirmed, with races planned for November 29 in Qatar and December 6 in Abu Dhabi.\n\nHowever, the FIA president remained cautious about the Dakar Rally, noting that local organizers had requested its cancellation due to escalating violence in the region. The rally, traditionally held entirely within Saudi Arabia, has been in doubt following heightened hostilities between Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi movement. Some drivers and team members have reportedly been working on an alternative northern route, but the current itinerary, starting and finishing in Saudi Arabia, has not been ruled out.\n\nBen Sulayem emphasized that FIA staff and officials would not risk their safety for the Dakar Rally, stating that no decision had been made regarding its cancellation or relocation. He reiterated that the organization would not venture into any location perceived as risky.",
  "summary": "BIGGIN HILL, (England): Formula One's governing body is happy for the last two races of the season in Qatar and Abu Dhabi to proceed as planned, despite the Iran war and conflict in the Gulf region, International Automobile Federation (FIA) president Mohammed Ben Sulayem said on Tuesday.",
  "key_points": [
    "FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem supports F1 races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.",
    "Ben Sulayem uncertain about Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia due to safety concerns.",
    "Dakar Rally organizers requested cancellation amid escalating regional violence."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The FIA prioritizes official safety protocols over traditional schedules, signaling that geopolitical volatility will dictate the survival of endurance events even as Formula One maintains its established regional presence.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}