Pirelli staff targeted by thieves at Interlagos!

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Security of F1 personnel at Interlagos was once again called into question when members of Pirelli's staff were attacked Sunday evening.

Despite local police ramping up security measures around the track's vicinity following an armed robbery which targeted members of the Mercedes team on Friday, a car driven by Pirelli staff was attacked by thieves yesterday evening.

Fortunately, the driver was able to escape the attack without any harm done to the passengers.

The Italian manufacturer is conducting tyre testing this week at the Brazilian venue along with McLaren's Stoffel Vandoorne and Lando Norris. A reinforcement of the group's security shall be discussed.

Mercedes personnel held up at gun point in Brazil!

In addition to Mercedes' terrifying attack at gunpoint, members of Sauber and Williams were also threatened over the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend.

The multiple attacks and climate of violence around Interlagos understandably upset the F1 community. Yet Sao Paulo's mayor, Joao Doria, defended the city.

"What has happened cannot be justified, but I've seen worse cases at other race tracks," he said.

"It was the first time we had a case of such seriousness. These are regrettable circumstances, but they can occur in any country," he told Globo.

The Interlagos track is currently in the process of being sold, but Mayor Doria does not believe this year's incidents will have any bearing on the immediate future of F1 in Brazil.

"We have a contract until 2020 and whoever purchases the circuit must respect it. After that, we hope we can renew for another ten years," he said.

"While bad things happening are unfortunate, it also means you make things better in the future."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.