The Singapore Grand Prix plans to beef up its security measures after a spectator managed to gain access to the track during last weekend's race.
Twenty-seven-year-old Yogvitam Pravin Dokia gained access to the track on the Esplanade Bridge and walked across the circuit while the race was in progress. He was charged by Singapore police and is facing a fine or possible prison sentence for his actions.
The clerk of the course at Singapore, Gabriel Tan, has compiled a report on the incident and proposed the following recommendation for next year's race.
"The Singapore Grand Prix organisation is currently studying plans to increase security in identified areas. In the affected area where the intrusion occurred, it is considering plans for the installation of higher spectator fences. A substantial increase in the number of marshals in attendance at the event is also being evaluated. These marshals would work hand-in-hand with the security personnel in spectator areas."
Tan's report also explained how the man gained access to the track.
The person who entered the circuit did so via a designated Egress Point along the track on the driver's right on the Esplanade Bridge.
This type of EP is a horizontal slot through which personnel can slide through to gain access the track. This opening is secured in selected locations around the circuit outside of race operations periods by the installation of a locking gate.
The individual climbed over a 1.1 metre high security fence, gained access to a protected 2-metre-wide Marshal Zone, crossed a carriageway and slid through the opening in the EP. He managed to enter the track in less than 10 seconds.
The 1.1m fence in question is of a similar height to fencing used at a number of other F1 events.
The individual crossed the track, walking in reverse race direction, and then exited the track approximately 15 seconds later via another EP to the drivers' left.
Upon exiting, the man was immediately apprehended by marshals who handed him over to the police who arrested him.
As is common with most circuits, race officials man approximately half of the EPs or other access points located within marshal zones around the circuit. The remainder would have security personnel patrolling the areas and/or spectator fences as an additional barrier.