British Police have been forced to issue a warning to potential protestors to not enter the track during this weekends British Formula 1 Grand Prix at Silverstone.
In a release issued Friday afternoon (AEST), Northamptonshire Police said they had received “credible information” protestors were planning to storm the track during the race on Sunday.
Event Commander Chief Inspector Tom Thompson said police were willing to work with the protestors to facilitate a protest at the circuit.
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“Going onto a live racetrack is extremely dangerous – if you go ahead with this reckless plan you are jeopardising lives,” he said.
“Protesting is of course everyone’s human right in this country and we are more than happy to speak with you to help you facilitate a peaceful protest at the circuit, we just please ask that you do not create a situation that puts lives in danger.”
“I strongly urge you to not put yourselves, the drivers, as well as the many marshals, volunteers and members of the public, at risk.”
Inspector Thompson said police were “very experienced” at the event, and security measures were “as stringent as ever”.
“Anyone thinking of taking advantage of the race weekend to commit a crime will be caught,” he said.
He also urged fans at the track to be on the lookout for dodgy behaviour themselves.
The British Grand Prix often attracts crowds in excess of 200,000 people.
In 2003, former Catholic priest Neil Horan was arrested after running onto the Hangar Straight – the fastest part of the circuit – during the Grand Prix. He was arrested again the following year for interfering in the men’s Olympic Marathon in Athens.
In 2000, a disgruntled Mercedes employee walked out onto the track during the German Grand Prix at Hockenheim – at the time one of the fastest race tracks in the world.
More recently, a man was jailed for six weeks for invading the track during the Singapore Grand Prix to take a close-up photo of the cars.
Practice for the British Grand Prix gets under way Friday night (AEST), ahead of the race on Sunday evening.
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