British GP chief sends request to F1 fans with ‘armed officers and dogs’ used

F1: A lap of the British Grand Prix

British Grand Prix boss Stuart Pringle has issued a serious warning to fans with “armed officers” to attend next weekend’s race. Chiefs have confirmed extra safety precautions are being taken after protestors stormed the track during last year’s event.

Those involved in the invasion have since been sentenced but extra measures will now be taken to avoid a second attack. Speaking to Sky Sports F1, Pringle warned there would be a “significant increase” in the police presence and stressed any similar move was “ill-advised”.

He even called on the public to help raise awareness of any incidents to ensure they are stamped out before unfolding. He explained: “We are working very closely with the police on this. A Formula One track is an extremely dangerous place to be.

“It is extraordinarily ill-advised to try and get on it. We understand that many other sporting events have been targeted for the publicity value that they provide. We are asking the spectators this year to help us and make sure such a dangerous activity doesn’t take place again.

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“We will be encouraging the fans present to report what they see. We always plan for the worst and hope for the best. We have very established plans that are in pace. You will see a significant increase in the police presence both overt and covert.

“Armed officers, dogs, everything that’s necessary to keep the events safe in its widest sense. I don’t just mean from the protests but we have a lot of people here and we have a duty to look after them. That’s our focus.” Three of the offenders responsible for the incident received suspended jail sentences at Northampton crown court earlier this year.

Two 12 month community orders were also handed out to the other two individuals involved. Prosecutors said there was an “immediate risk of serious harm” by choosing to sit “in the face” of the cars.

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Sentencing, Mr Justice Garnham claimed the “reckless” invasion had been planned and was a deliberate breach of the law. After the incident, Gary Lineker suggested that history world “look back very favourably’ on protesters who stormed the circuit.

However, Martin Bundle immediately called out the comments on social media. He wrote: “Gary please don’t encourage this reckless behaviour. They’d have been sliced into 100 pieces and fans, marshals and drivers were wholly at risk of injury and death.”

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