Sauber mechanics robbed in Sao Paolo

Formula One world champion Jenson Button was not the only person to be targeted by arms gangs in Brazil last night it has emerged today.

The 30-year-old and members of his support team were confronted at gunpoint after they left the Interlagos circuit following yesterday’s qualifying session.

Button’s driver managed to get him away from danger, but a group of Sauber mechanics were not so fortunate in a separate incident.

Three of the team’s engineers were forced to hand over their belongings when they, like Button, stopped at traffic lights.

A Sauber spokesman said: “At around eight o’clock three engineers were on their way from the circuit when they stopped at traffic lights.

“A group of five men quickly surrounded the vehicle, with one of them brandishing a machine gun.

“They handed over two rucksacks before the men fled. They were all a little shaken at the time, but they’re all okay today.”