A 27-year-old British national has been charged with committing a ‘rash act’ that endangered safety after he invaded the Singapore Grand Prix circuit during Sunday’s race.
Singapore’s Strait Times reports that Yogvitam Pravin Dhokia appeared in court on Tuesday, charged with interrupting a national event, which resulted in the deployment of the Safety Car so Mr Dhokia could be safely removed.
It’s reported that bail was set at S$15,000 (£6,800), which Mr Dhokia couldn’t pay and was therefore remanded in custody whilst investigations continue. His passport has been impounded and a second hearing is set for October 6th.
He could be sentenced to six months in prison and face further fines of S$2,500 (£1,140).
Singapore race organisers could also face sanctions after photos showed marshal posts unattended, allowing easy access to the circuit.
Race winner Sebastian Vettel, who was the first driver to come across the track invader, said he had to look twice as he couldn’t believe what he had seen.
“I had to look again because I wasn’t sure whether I had a problem with my eyesight or I saw somebody crossing the track,” he joked.
“I went on the radio and said ‘some guy’s running across the track!’ I think I saw him taking a picture. I don’t know. I hope it was a good one at least. I hope it was in focus!”
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