RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The Formula 1 Brazilian Grand Prix (GP) at the Interlagos racetrack this Sunday will feature a security detail to match that of the classics among the greats of São Paulo soccer.
According to the Secretary of Security of São Paulo, starting this Friday, each day of the event will feature the presence of approximately 1,000 police officers. The figure is similar to that for days of major matches between the state soccer teams.
The security arrangement is regarded by authorities as one of the largest for a Grand Prix. According to the State Police, work began on November 4th, the date of the first shipments of the teams’ 700 tons of equipment. The racetrack region will continue to have special monitoring until November 22nd, next Friday, to cover the departure of the last team belongings.
As of Thursday, pilots have been going to the racetrack to take part in interviews and meetings with engineers. As a result, part of this special detail is already in place. The number of people involved in security is even higher, as private companies’ personnel and inspectors will complete the staff during the GP.
Care is taken to avoid the recurrence of incidents such as the 2017 round of robberies. Two years ago, criminals attacked the teams’ vehicles on their way out of the racetrack at night. Some employees had their watches and notebooks stolen. There were even shots fired and guns pointed at Mercedes’ mechanics.
The incidents prompted the event’s promoters and the São Paulo City Hall to contemplate improving security.
Since the 2018 GP had no incidents recorded, the goal is to replicate the effort. From Friday to Sunday, the police will divide into three shifts in Interlagos, including 350 people circulating on foot and positioned at sensitive points. The patrol will also count on 146 officers on motorcycles, more than 200 vehicles and 28 police interpreters.
The Traffic Engineering Company (CET) estimates that approximately 150,000 people in addition to the normal flow should be in the region during the days of the event. Last year, according to data from the event’s organizers, 150,300 fans were in the circuit’s stands to follow the Brazilian Grand Prix. The audience was the largest recorded since 2010.
RAIN – Thursday began with rain and cool weather in Interlagos. The weather is forecast to remain the same on Friday. As for Saturday and Sunday, the sky is expected to clear and the sun to shine.