After the latest in a series of attempted robberies near the Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace, Pirelli has opted not to conduct its post-Brazilian Grand Prix test.
Pirelli tweeted Monday that it had canceled the two tests it had scheduled for this week at Interlagos, following an attack on the tire manufacturer’s van near the circuit Sunday.
Lewis Hamilton tweeted earlier this weekend that members of Mercedes-AMG Petronas had been “held up at gun point” Friday when they were leaving the circuit. A convoy of cars with Williams Martini Racing and FIA personnel reportedly was targeted in a similar fashion that night.
In response to the attacks Friday, members of the sport reportedly had been promised that there would be an increased security presence around Interlagos. It apparently didn’t solve the problem, however.
Motorsport.com reporter Jon Noble tweeted about the incident involving Pirelli’s van shortly after it happened, and strategist Ruth Buscombe revealed that Sauber F1 Team’s van similarly was targeted — despite added protection.
Although Pirelli noted that the FIA, F1 and McLaren supported its decision not to put people at risk by testing in Sao Paulo, Brazil, one person from McLaren wasn’t happy about it.
There are very few in-season tests in F1, meaning every opportunity a young driver has to get seat time before they land a full-time drive is invaluable. That’s especially true for Lando Norris, as the 18-year-old would benefit from experience in a high-downforce racer before he competes alongside Fernando Alonso in the Rolex 24 at Daytona for United Autosports.
