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.
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