Formula 1 is awaiting an official explanation for the cause of a large smoke cloud which was visible during the first practice session at Jeddah Corniche Circuit.
Thick black smoke became visible from parts of the track around halfway through the opening hour of running, which began at 5pm local time. A fire at a nearby oil depot is believed to be the cause.
An F1 spokesperson told RaceFans they are awaiting official details on the cause of today’s fire. “The position at the moment is that we are waiting for further information from the authorities on what has happened.”
Max Verstappen told his team on the radio during the session he had noticed a burning smell. His team advised him they did not believe the cause was his car.
Last week a Yemeni rebel group attacked several sites in the country including a Saudi Aramco petroleum distribution centre in Jeddah.
This article will be updated
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