Silverstone fire scare as stand evacuated before F1 practice session due to start

Silverstone fire scare as stand evacuated before F1 practice session due to start
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Anna Fox

By Anna Fox


Published: 01/07/2022

- 12:41

Updated: 01/07/2022

- 12:52

The British Grand Prix is set to begin this weekend

The media centre at Silverstone was evacuated on Friday following reports of a fire in the building, ahead of practice laps for the British Grand Prix.

It came before the first practice, which was set to begin at 12:30pm.


Alarm sirens rang at the Silverstone Wing, screeching there was a "fire detected in the building".

The news follows a warning from Northamptonshire Police, who warned how a group of protesters were planning to disrupt the Grand Prix, threatening a track invasion.

There is no indication that protesters were involved in the triggering of the fire alarm.

The British Grand Prix is set to begin this weekend
The British Grand Prix is set to begin this weekend
Wiki Commons

Lewis Hamilton is set to take part in the race this weekend
Lewis Hamilton is set to take part in the race this weekend
Tim Goode

Northants Police warned in a tweet: "We have received credible intelligence that a group of protesters are planning to disrupt the 2022 Formula One 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 & 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."

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