ANOTHER F1 group targeted by robbers in Brazil

A car containing Pirelli tyre fitters were the latest F1 representatives to suffer an attempted robbery as the Brazilian Grand Prix drew to a close on Sunday night.

The group were returning to the airport following the end of the race in Sao Paulo when another vehicle attempted to drive them off the road. Fortunately the driver was able to escape to safety, but the incident rounds off a difficult weekend for the Brazilian authorities.

Members of Mercedes' team were targeted and robbed at gunpoint on Friday evening, prompting driver Lewis Hamilton to request a review of security for teams at the track, which has previous for these incidents in the past.

Jenson Button was subjected to a similar incident in 2010 and despite increased security in and around the circuit on Sunday, the fact that another attack came close to happening will leave both Grand Prix organisers with questions to answer.

Team members from Wiliams and Sauber were also targeted, while FIA officials were also approached by armed men before reaching safety.

Hamilton was critical of the protection offered to the teams and personnel, stating: “The most frustrating thing is that I’ve been in Formula 1 for 10 years and every single year that has happened to somebody in the paddock, and it continues to happen.

“It’s an issue I’m sure the government here are fighting, but I think maybe on this weekend, there are protocols that should be put in place to help, like for example when we go to Mexico, which weren’t there for these guys.

Brazilian Felipe Massa also criticised the security, adding that he would not move his family back to Sao Paulo because of security fears."