Formula One: Organisers to tighten security after track breach

[SINGAPORE] Singapore Grand Prix organisers said Wednesday they would tighten security and fortify barriers after a British spectator crossed the track while the race was in full swing.

Yogvitam Pravin Dhokia, 27, was charged at a district court on Tuesday with committing a "rash act" that endangered the lives of drivers during Sunday's night race.

Closed-circuit television footage released after the race showed Dhokia wriggling his way through a gap in the metal fence and onto the track on the street circuit in the business district.

Clad in a T-shirt and shorts, he crossed the track, first walking slowly and then accelerating as race cars sped by.

"Following this incident, Singapore GP has set up an internal multi-departmental taskforce to review the security plan at all track access points," organisers said in a statement.

This includes "fortifying the infrastructure and manpower at the Marina Bay Street Circuit", Singapore GP added.

It said the spectator had entered the track through one of the designated safety egress points, which must be left open and unlocked under regulations from the sport's world governing body FIA.

This is a safety precaution to let marshals go in and out and a driver escape quickly during a crash or mechanical failure.

In Singapore, fans are positioned close to the track in some parts of the street circuit, most of which is enclosed by walls and tall metal fencing.

Race winner Sebastian Vettel had a major shock on lap 36 when he spotted the man walking on the track.

"There's a man on the track!" he yelled over the team radio as the safety car came out.

AFP