Northamptonshire Police have warned potential protesters not to put themselves, the drivers or marshals at risk after receiving "credible intelligence" that a protest could disrupt the British Grand Prix. This weekend's event at Silverstone is expected to attract crowds upwards of 400,000 as home heroes Lewis Hamilton, George Russell and Lando Norris dream of a historic win. However, local police have stated that race day could also attract protesters after receiving intelligence that a disruptive protest is being planned.
Police happy to facilitate "peaceful protest" at Silverstone
A statement released by Northamptonshire Police reads: "We have received credible intelligence that a group of protestors are planning to disrupt the 2022 Formula 1 British Grand Prix and possibly invade the track on race day. "We want to appeal directly to this group of people. We strongly urge you to not put yourselves, the drivers, as well as the many marshals, volunteers and members of the public, at risk. "Going onto a live racetrack is extremely dangerous – if you go ahead with this reckless plan, you're jeopardising lives. "Protesting is of course everyone's human right in this country and we are more than happy to speak with you to help you facilitate a peaceful protest at the circuit, we just please ask that you do not create a situation that puts lives in danger."
Silverstone has been targeted by protesters before
It would not be the first time that Silverstone has been targeted by protesters, with Neil Horan having staged a famous religious protest during the 2003 British Grand Prix. The laicised Irish Roman Catholic priest stormed the circuit with a banner that read: "Read the Bible. The Bible is always right." He was arrested on-site and was sentenced to two months' imprisonment.
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