No extra security for Silverstone

Silverstone chiefs are confident they will not need any extra security at this weekend’s British Grand Prix despite today’s terrorist attacks in London.

At least 33 people have been killed in a series of terrorist bombings in London this morning, prompting fears over the security of such a high-profile event as this weekend’s race, which will attract 100,000 fans on Sunday.

But circuit officials, who spent over an hour meeting with police this morning to discuss the situation, have expressed their belief that existing security measures are enough to minimise the danger.

Police search teams swept the high-security paddock this morning as news of the bombings filtered through and Silverstone Circuits, who run the track, insisted their planned security for Britain’s biggest one-day sporting event are adequate.

A statement read: “Following the events that took place in London today Silverstone would like to reassure all visitors attending the 2005 British Grand Prix that the security of both spectators and participants is of paramount importance.

“Silverstone has a well-established set of security measures in place that have been agreed and planned in detail with the police and other agencies.

“Silverstone is confident that these measures are adequate to ensure the safety of all attending.”

Former world champion Jacques Villeneuve was among the first drivers to express their outrage at the events.

The Canadian, who drives for Sauber, hopes Formula One is of too little importance in the context of the world at large to attract terrorist attention, but feels there is nothing organisers can do to completely eliminate the risk.

He said: “It’s terrible. There’s only so much you can do. If someone wants to blow you up, it doesn’t matter what you do in terms of security, they will blow you up.

“You can show you are protecting everyone – that’s just to make people feel more comfortable – but you can’t because if someone really wants to get you, they will.

“There’s nothing to gain by blowing up Formula One. There may be 100,000 people here on Sunday, but that’s minimal compared to hurting public transport that will block a whole city.”