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Pirelli and McLaren cancel Interlagos F1 test amid security fears

Formula 1 tyre supplier Pirelli and McLaren have decided to cancel their planned Interlagos test due to safety concerns at the Brazilian Grand Prix venue.

The two-day test, aimed at completing Pirelli's evaluation work on its 2018 tyres, was scheduled to take place on Tuesday and Wednesday with McLaren drivers Stoffel Vandoorne and Lando Norris.

But following a robbery attempt on Sunday targeting Pirelli staff, the tyre manufacturer announced on Monday that the test has been called off.

"Following a robbery attempt, neutralised by Pirelli security, on a Pirelli van at the Interlagos circuit last Sunday - after a weekend where similar episodes occurred with other teams - it has been decided to cancel the tyre test planned on Tuesday 14 and Wednesday 15 on the Brazilian circuit with McLaren," Pirelli said in a statement.

"The decision, shared with McLaren, FIA and Formula 1, was made in the interest of the safety of the personnel, both McLaren's and our own, who would have participated in the test."

A McLaren statement added: "The safety of our people has always been our top priority, and, given recent events, we felt that it was an unnecessary risk to proceed."

Members of the Mercedes, Williams and Sauber teams were involved in another two separate attacks outside the circuit during the grand prix weekend.

Although there were no injuries in the incidents, questions have been raised about security around Interlagos given organisers had promised additional police around the circuit following the first attack.

World champion Lewis Hamilton had been one of the most vocal drivers in expressing dismay at the situation.

"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," he said.

"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.

"It's no good just the bosses having security and myself having security. People need to be looked after."

The cancellation of the test means Formula 3 European champion Norris is able to make it to the Macau Grand Prix on time.

He had expected to miss opening practice for the F3 showpiece while travelling from the McLaren test.

Zdroj: autosport.com