Formula 1 to finish season in Middle East

Formula 1 has told the Imola circuit in Italy that it will not be required as a back-up for the two end-of-season races in the Middle East.

The sport is pressing ahead with plans to hold the two events in Qatar on 27-29 November and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates on 4-6 December, despite the ongoing conflict between the United States/Israel and Iran.

Imola had been asked to prepare for a potential grand prix on the Abu Dhabi dates if the two Middle Eastern races could not go ahead.

Imola was asked on Tuesday to stand down preparations - but F1 says that if the situation in the Middle East deteriorates it is still prepared to cancel the two races.