McLaren cancel F1 test after robberies
McLAREN have cancelled a Formula One Test at Interlagos following the security incidents at the Brazilian Grand Prix.
Eight members of Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes team suffered the most horrifying ordeal when they were robbed at gunpoint shortly after leaving the circuit last Friday night.
Staff from Formula One’s tyre supplier Pirelli were the latest to be targeted when they left the circuit on Sunday night.
The crew managed to escape unharmed but it marked the fifth alarming incident despite the promise of heightened security by local authorities.
Members from the Woking-based McLaren team and Pirelli were due to stay on in Sao Paulo for the remainder of the week.
But the two-day test, scheduled to take place yesterday and today, has now been scrapped after staff from McLaren and Pirelli understandably expressed their frustrations and unease over the apparent lack of security.
Staff from the McLaren team were said to be relieved the test had been cancelled.
A Pirelli statement read: “Following a robbery attempt, neutralised by Pirelli security, on a Pirelli van at the Interlagos circuit last Sunday it has been decided to cancel the tyre test on the Brazilian circuit with Team McLaren.
“The decision, shared with McLaren, FIA and Formula One, was made in the interest of the safety of the personnel, both McLaren’s and our own, who would have participated in the test.”
Earlier in the week, a car containing officials from motor sport’s world governing body the FIA was approached by masked gunmen, while members of the Williams team witnessed the attack. 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 a race which has been a permanent fixture on the calendar since 1990.