Imola told to stand down as F1 continues with plan to end season in Middle East.

Though there is no official word, the races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi are likely to go ahead, despite the continued instability in the region.

Had the events been cancelled the season finale would have been moved to Imola, where teams have had hotel rooms reserved for some time, just in case.

However, today F1 confirmed that the Italian circuit has been told that it will not be needed.

"Imola was only an option in the event we made a decision not to go to the Middle East at the end of the season and would have taken place on the Abu Dhabi weekend," said an F1 spokesperson, according to F1i.

"We have constantly said the Middle East was the plan," they continued, "so none of this is really news or should be a surprise.

"We cannot let Imola wait indefinitely," they admitted. "Therefore, we have informed them today that we will not require them at the end of the season.

"Nothing has negatively developed in the region and specifically in Qatar and Abu Dhabi in recent months," insisted the spokesperson. "Travel advice still allows travel, travel insurance is valid, events are taking place, and business has returned to a normal level in both countries, and the teams are all supportive of concluding the season as planned.

"If the situation develops negatively in the coming weeks before the events in the Middle East, we will not hesitate to do the right thing, and the safety of everyone will always be the priority"

If the situation were to deteriorate, this would most likely mean that Las Vegas would be the final race of the season.