• Brazilian Grand Prix

Police escorts for drivers at Brazilian Grand Prix

Drivers will have police escorts in Brazil this year © Sutton Images

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Drivers will get round-the-clock protection during the Brazilian Grand Prix as the local authorities seek to prevent a repeat of the incident last year when Jenson Button was involved in an incident with gunmen as he left the Interlagos circuit.

A report in the Times says police will guard drivers as they travel between the circuit and their hotels. The track in Sao Paulo, which hosts the final race of the season, is situated in one of the poorest parts of the city and is surrounded by shanty towns.

Last year Button's car was approached by six armed men as it waited in traffic. Quick thinking by his chauffeur, who was trained for such a situation, prevented the situation becoming more serious.

"We have more security this year," Button told the newspaper. "I think every driver you see will have a police escort in Brazil and they should do. It is a pity things happen when we leave the circuit, but I think it just shows the divide [between rich and poor]."

However, the protection will not extend to the multitude of team members. "You've got to spare a thought for everyone else because they don't have police escorts," Button continued. "It happens every year with the mechanics or engineers. There's always someone who gets held up at gunpoint and their bags get taken.

"There is a great atmosphere, so, hopefully, we won't have any of those mishaps. I love the race, but I don't know what else they can do."

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