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The British Grand Prix at the Silverstone Circuit is in danger of suffering from a potential track invasion by environmental protesters, as per the Northamptonshire Police. The authorities have warned that a protest is being planned for the feature race on Sunday at Silverstone that could be put lives at risk.
"We have received credible intelligence that a group of protestors are planning to disrupt the event and possibly invade the track on race day," said Northamptonshire Police Event Commander chief inspector Tom Thompson in a statement.
"First of all, I want to appeal directly to this group of people and strongly urge you to not put yourselves, the drivers, as well as the many marshals, volunteers and members of the public, at risk. Going onto a live racetrack is extremely dangerous – if you go ahead with this reckless plan you are jeopardizing lives," he continued.
The Silverstone managing director Stuart Pringle also talked about the reports and assured that they are working with the Police and emergency services to implement key measures for avoiding any sorts of mishaps during Sunday’s race.
Pringle said, “We work closely with Northamptonshire Police and the emergency service agencies to put plans and procedures in place to ensure we are fully prepared to handle such situations. I am confident, under the lead of the police, and with the pooled resources of our partners, that we can deliver a safe and secure event for the fans which remains our overriding priority."
In the 2020 season, the environment group - Extinction Rebellion group stormed the circuit during the weekend when the race was being held behind closed doors because of the pandemic. Similarly, in 2003 the former priest Cornelius Horan broke onto the track and ran on the 200 mph (320 km/h) Hangar Straight during the race.
He was wearing an orange skirt and had a religious banner, that wrote "Read the Bible. The Bible is always right". Horan was then brought down by track marshal Stephen Green, who escorted Horan from the track and was arrested. He was charged with aggravated trespass and sentenced to two months imprisonment.