Saudi Arabian Formula One Grand Prix organisers have said they can be proud of their record on construction safety and worker rights as they prepare for the new Jeddah street circuit for a looming December debut.
Neighbouring Qatar, which hosts F1 for the first time this weekend, has been accused of exploiting migrant workers ahead of the 2022 football World Cup, with international concern over building site fatalities.
Saudi GP chief executive Martin Whitaker said his circuit put some 10,000 workers through a safety induction programme, but recognised questions would be asked.
"I think we've had just under eight million man hours put into the circuit so far and we haven't had a major incident," Whitaker told Reuters.