Pirelli cancels Brazil testing over fear of attack

McLaren was scheduled to carry out a test session on Tuesday November 14 and Wednesday November 15 at the Interlagos circuit in Sao Paulo, two days after the Brazilian GP. But in agreement with the Woking team, Pirelli decided to cancel the tests due to safety concerns following attacks that occurred last week.

Several members of the paddock staff of the F1 were in fact victims of armed robberies on the sidelines of the Brazilian GP. People working in particular for Mercedes, Sauber, McLaren but also Pirelli had to suffer this violence which unfortunately occurs frequently with the arrival of F1 in Sao Paulo.

“Following an attempted robbery against a Pirelli van which was neutralized by our security service last Sunday at the Interlagos circuit, and while similar incidents occurred with other teams, it was decided to cancel the planned test session with McLaren. This decision, taken jointly with McLaren, the FIA ​​and F1, has been taken in the interest of staff safety, whether that of McLaren or ours., said Pirelli.

Following a robbery attempt, neutralized 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 tire test (1/2)

- Pirelli Motorsport (@pirellisport) November 13, 2017

planned on Tuesday 14 and Wednesday 15 on the Brazilian circuit with @McLarenF1. 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. (2/2)

- Pirelli Motorsport (@pirellisport) November 13, 2017

McLaren also confirmed the news, emphasizing that safety was a priority when organizing such an event.

“We have decided together with Pirelli to cancel this tire test session at Interlagos. The safety of our staff has always been our highest priority and, given recent events, we felt there was no need to take such risks.”, specified the British team.

We have jointly decided with Pirelli to cancel this week’s tire test at Interlagos. 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.

- McLaren (@ McLarenF1) November 13, 2017

McLaren's future reserve Lando Norris was scheduled to drive the McLaren MCL32 during this session. The reigning champion of the F3 European Championship should be able to arrive on time for the first tests of the Macau GP (China) which will begin this Thursday.

The Interlagos circuit is currently on sale by the Sao Paulo town hall. In any case, this is news which complicates the objectives of the organizers concerning the future of the Grand Prix who hope to continue to welcome F1 despite the change of ownership.