McLaren pull plug on test over security

A Formula One test involving British team McLaren, due to take place at Interlagos this week, has been cancelled following a series of harrowing security incidents, which overshadowed the Brazilian Grand Prix.

Eight members of the Mercedes team suffered the most horrifying ordeal when they were robbed at gunpoint shortly after leaving the circuit on Friday night.

Staff from Formula One’s tyre supplier Pirelli were the latest to be targeted on Sunday night. They managed to escape unharmed but it marked the fifth alarming incident, despite the promise of heightened security by local authorities.

Members of the McLaren team and Pirelli were due to stay on in Sao Paulo for the remainder of the week, but the two-day test, scheduled for today and tomorrow, has now been scrapped.

Earlier last week, a car containing officials from motor sport’s world governing body the FIA was approached by masked gunmen. Staff from Sauber were also held up as they left the circuit on Saturday. All escaped unharmed but the incidents will raise question marks over the future of the race.

Jamie Murray’s ATP Finals bid began in defeat as he and partner Bruno Soares were beaten in a match tie-break by American duo Mike and Bob Bryan.

Murray and Soares trailed their distinguished opponents by a set and 4-1 at the O2 Arena, although only after a dramatic collapse that saw them spurn three set points and a 5-3 lead.

They fought back to take the second set but a topsy-turvy contest turned again in the deciding tie-break as the Bryans recovered to win 7-5 6-7 (3/7) 10-8.

The match would be decided in a first-to-10 tie-break but the Bryans started fast, storming into a 4-0 lead. Murray hurled his racket into the ground after some overly-generous volleys allowed his opponents to move 6-2 ahead and then 9-5, to open up four match points.

Mike Bryan missed a chance on his serve and Murray saved two more on his own, but Bob Bryan thwarted the comeback to finally seal victory.