Track Intruder Creates Havoc at British GP (Updated)

A demonstrator wearing a Scottish kilt and brandishing protest placards ran on to the track at the fastest part of the circuit during the British Formula One Grand Prix on Sunday.

The man risked his life by jogging down the middle of the track as cars roared past at about 200 kph on Hangar Straight.

He was dragged off the circuit and bundled to the ground by a marshal as the safety car came out. He was subsequently detained by police.

The demonstrator's garb was a possible reference to Scot Jackie Stewart, president of the British Racing Drivers Club which owns the circuit.

The former world champion has been involved in a war of words with the sport's top officials over the suitability of Silverstone for Formula One.

Both Max Mosley, president of the International Automobile Federation (FIA), and Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone have been critical of the circuit, with Ecclestone last year calling the British GP "a country fair masquerading as a world event".

Stewart said earlier this month that he was baffled by their criticism and portrayed the views of Ecclestone and Mosley as "vicious".

Mosley counter-attacked last Thursday, denying the 'vicious' accusation.

"We just want to see a proper circuit," he said. "I can't go along -- and nor can Bernie -- with the idea that so long as Silverstone isn't demonstrably the worst circuit in the world then everything is alright.

"I believe it should be demonstrably the best circuit in the world and the money is there to do it. There is no doubt they could raise the money and they should do it."