F1 returns to Silverstone this weekend for a UK GP that is expected to be attended by more than 400,000 people throughout the event.
But local police have obtained information that protesters plan to disrupt the British GP this weekend and have warned of a possible invasion of tracks.
In a statement issued by Northamptonshire police, the chief inspector of the event commander, Tom Thompson, urged protesters not to invade the runway for security reasons.
“We have received credible information that a group of protesters plan to interrupt the event and possibly invade the track on race day,” Chief Inspector Thompson said.
“First of all, I want to make a direct appeal to this group of people and I strongly urge you not to put yourself at risk, the drivers, as well as the many commissioners, volunteers and citizens.
“Going to a live race track is extremely dangerous: if you go ahead with this reckless plan, you are endangering lives.
“Of course, protesting is a human right of everyone in this country and we are happy to talk to you to help facilitate a peaceful protest on the circuit. We just ask you not to create a life-threatening situation.”
Autosport contacted the FIA to comment on what protests it expected, but declined to comment because the situation is now a police matter.
The pit lane
Photo by: Glenn Dunbar / Motorsport Images
In 2020, four protesters from the environmental group Extinction Rebellion were arrested after illegally entering the circuit and unfurling a banner before the start of the British GP.
Due to the protocols of COVID-19, the British Grand Prix of 2020, and the subsequent GP of the 70th anniversary at the venue, it was held behind closed doors.
Famous in 2003, the British GP was interrupted when Father Father Cornelius Horan ran on the Hangar Straight track on the 11th lap of the race waving religious banners.
He was later jailed for two months after being found guilty of aggravated rape by a Northampton court, while Marshal Stephen Green received the BARC Browning Medal for risking his life to face Horan on the ground. to keep it away from the circuit.
Chief Inspector Thompson has called on “members of the public to be more vigilant” and report any security issues to police.
Invasion of clues by religious activist and former priest Neil Horan. The security car was deployed and Horan was arrested for aggravated assault.
Photo by: Gary Hawkins