Police to guard drivers at 2011 Brazilian Grand Prix to prevent security breaches – Formula 1 news
At the upcoming 2011 Brazilian Grand Prix, drivers will get 24/7 security to counter any incidents similar to 2010, when Jenson Button was inches away from armed assailants.
Local authorities are seeking to prevent any security breaches, and have taken extra measures to make sure that incidents like last year can be avoided. Button was driving back from the qualifiers with his father, team manager and trainer. They were attacked
by armed men but luckily escaped the ordeal as the driver of their vehicle was a police trained man and was able to manoeuvre the car to safety.
“We have more security this year,” Button told Sporting Life. “I think every driver you see will have a police escort in Brazil and they should do. It is a pity things happen when we leave the circuit, but I think it just shows the divide [between rich and
poor].”
Even after last year’s incident, Button is upbeat over the race in Brazil and has praised the circuit, stating that he is geared to race at Interlagos and is not afraid to return to the track. He has faith in the beefed up security for this year, and did
mention that a multitude of the members of the team are still not going to get the kind of security the drivers are getting.
The Times reported that the police will be guarding the drivers all through their stay during the GP, especially on their way to the circuit and back to the hotel. The circuit itself is situated in one of the poorest parts of the city, which means it is
surrounded by slums and thus prone to such crime.
“It's a tough one because it's such a good grand prix. I love racing at Sao Paulo. There is a special atmosphere, even when your team-mate is Brazilian and you are fighting for the world championship. I still love it there because they are so passionate,
and there is so much history at that circuit,” he added.
He further added that there is a great atmosphere in Brazil and incidents like these should not spoil the sport.
The race is due this weekend on Sunday November 27, 2011, and is sure to be an exciting finish to the ongoing season.
Tags: