Formula One: Singapore GP investigating alleged breach in track security at Marina Bay Street Circuit

Race organisers Singapore GP said on Sunday (Sep 17) that they are investigating an alleged breach in track security at the Marina Bay Street Circuit.
ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR

SINGAPORE - Race organisers Singapore GP said on Sunday (Sep 17) that they are investigating an alleged breach in track security at the Marina Bay Street Circuit.

This comes after a post on website All Singapore Stuff that surfaced on Sunday morning that reportedly showed a couple of fans - one of whom was wearing a McLaren Honda team shirt - posing on the race track.

In the Facebook post, the caption read: "3am in the morning. Bribed the security guard to let us onto the track. He not only agreed, he took the photo. Non F1 fans won't understand this, but most of us will"

A Singapore GP spokesman told The Straits Times on Sunday evening: "The safety of our patrons is of utmost priority and we view the allegation of bribery seriously.

"We are working with SRS Pte Ltd, the appointed security agency assigned to the reported area, to investigate the claim."

In last year's Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix, a race marshal who was removing debris had to scamper across the main straight as the cars charged towards Turn 1 after the safety car restart.

Mercedes' Nico Rosberg, who was leading the field, had described the incident as "pretty hairy".

That same year, a giant monitor lizard had entered the track during Saturday's Practice Three.

Red Bull's Max Verstappen could be heard telling his team on the radio: "There's a giant lizard on the track."

In 2015, Briton Yogvitam Pravin Dhokia entered the track midway through the race via a gap in the fence, and walked across the Esplanade straight.

The 27-year-old was sentenced to six weeks' jail for committing a rash act that "endangered personal safety of the drivers".

This year is the 10th edition of the race, which started in 2008 and was Formula One's first night race. The Singapore race has been extended until 2021.

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.