Singapore Grand Prix plans security changes after track invader
Singapore Grand Prix organisers look set to increase security measures for future years after a spectator managed to gain access to the circuit during last weekend's race

A 27-year-old British national, Yogvitam Pravin Dhokia, was arrested and later charged by a court in Singapore with an "act so rash as to endanger the personal safety of the drivers involved in the race, to wit, by crossing the racetrack while the race is ongoing".
Immediately following the incident clerk of the course, Gabriel Tan, conducted an investigation to understand the circumstances that surrounded Dhokia's breach as cars passed by at 200mph, initially Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel who described him as "crazy".
Tan has discovered that:
1) The person who entered the circuit did so via a designated egress point (EP) along the track on the driver's right on the Esplanade Bridge.
2) This type of EP is a horizontal slot through which personnel can slide to gain access to the track.
This opening is secured in selected locations around the circuit outside of race operations periods by the installation of a locking gate.
3) The individual climbed over a 1.1 metre-high security fence, gained access to a protected 2-metre-wide marshal zone, crossed a carriageway and slid through the opening in the EP. He managed to enter the track in less than 10 seconds.
4) The 1.1m fence in question is of a similar height to fencing used at a number of other F1 events.
5) The individual crossed the track, walking in reverse race direction, and then exited the track approximately 15 seconds later via another EP to the drivers' left.
6) Upon exiting, the man was immediately apprehended by marshals who handed him over to the police who arrested him.
7) As is common with most circuits, race officials man approximately half of the EPs or other access points located within marshal zones around the circuit.
The remainder would have security personnel patrolling the areas and/or spectator fences as an additional barrier.
In conclusion to his report, Tan says the Singapore GP organisation is currently studying plans to increase security in identified areas.
In the affected area where the intrusion occurred, it is considering plans for the installation of higher spectator fences.
Also, a substantial increase in the number of marshals in attendance at the event is also being evaluated, with those marshals working hand-in-hand with the security personnel in spectator areas.

How to make an F1 car fast in the wet
Japanese GP: Nico Rosberg leads Mercedes one-two in dry practice

Latest news
Auer to miss Bathurst, Craft-Bamboo seeking replacement
Craft-Bamboo Racing is on the hunt for a driver for next week's Bathurst 12 Hour after Lucas Auer was injured in a practice crash in Daytona.
Daytona 24: Ganassi Cadillacs top final GTP practice at Daytona
Renger van der Zande produced the fastest lap for Chip Ganassi Racing Cadillac in the new GTP class’s final systems check before tomorrow’s 61st Daytona 24 Hours.
Foyt changes IndyCar number amid "symbolic references" debacle
AJ Foyt Racing has changed the number of Benjamin Pedersen's 2023 IndyCar entry from #88 to #55, after finding its two cars' numbers held "certain ideological and symbolic references".
Taylor: Reset button will be "worn out" but better than limp mode in Daytona 24
Ricky Taylor has zero worries over the pace of the new Acura ARX-06, but believes the new GTP cars will encounter several sensor issues over the course of the Daytona 24 Hours.
Why Vasseur relishes 'feeling the pressure' as Ferrari's F1 boss
OPINION: Fred Vasseur has spent only a few weeks as team principal for the Ferrari Formula 1 team, but is already intent on taking the Scuderia back to the very top. And despite it being arguably the most demanding job in motorsport, the Frenchman is relishing the challenge
The crucial tech changes F1 teams must adapt to in 2023
Changes to the regulations for season two of Formula 1's ground-effects era aim to smooth out last year’s troubles and shut down loopholes. But what areas have been targeted, and what impact will this have?
Are these the 50 quickest drivers in F1 history?
Who are the quickest drivers in Formula 1 history? LUKE SMITH asked a jury of experienced and international panel of experts and F1 insiders. Some of them have worked closely with F1’s fastest-ever drivers – so who better to vote on our all-time top 50? We’re talking all-out speed here rather than size of trophy cabinet, so the results may surprise you…
One easy way the FIA could instantly improve F1
OPINION: During what is traditionally a very quiet time of year in the Formula 1 news cycle, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has been generating headlines. He’s been commenting on massive topics in a championship that loves them, but also addressing necessary smaller changes too. Here we suggest a further refinement that would be a big boon to fans
How can McLaren keep hold of Norris?
Lando Norris is no longer the young cheeky-chappy at McLaren; he’s now the established ace. And F1's big guns will come calling if the team can’t give him a competitive car. Here's what the team needs to do to retain its prize asset
What difference did F1's fastest pitstops of 2022 make?
While a quick pitstop can make all the difference to the outcome of a Formula 1 race, most team managers say consistency is more important than pure speed. MATT KEW analyses the fastest pitstops from last season to see which ones – if any – made a genuine impact
When F1 ‘holiday’ races kept drivers busy through the winter
Modern Formula 1 fans have grown accustomed to a lull in racing during winter in the northern hemisphere. But, as MAURICE HAMILTON explains, there was a time when teams headed south of the equator rather than bunkering down in the factory. And why not? There was fun to be had, money to be made and reputations to forge…
What Porsche social media frenzy says about F1’s manufacturer allure
Porsche whipped up a frenzy thanks to a cryptic social media post last week and, although it turned out to be a false alarm, it also highlighted why manufacturers remain such an important element in terms of the attraction that they bring to F1. It is little wonder that several other manufacturers are bidding for a slice of the action
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
You have 2 options:
- Become a subscriber.
- Disable your adblocker.