The event organizers of the Australian Grand Prix have launched an investigation to find out how race fans were able to enter onto the circuit during the cool-down lap. The situation was quite dangerous, for obvious reasons, and against the safety regulations in place to protect the spectators.
Following Sebastian Vettel’s victory at the opening race of the 2017 season, fans were ecstatic. However, as the cars made their way back to the pit lane, the television broadcasts showed race spectators flooding onto the circuit. It presented a dangerous situation because the cars were still travelling with some speed and the fans were walking on the narrow strip of grass between the pit entrance and the inside wall of turn 16. Most of the fans stayed on the safety of the grass and runoff area, while others ventured out onto the actual racing surface.
The spectators were exiting from an access point on the outside of turn 15. The spectators were likely coming from Club 15, a ground-level viewing area. The only other viewing area in the turn is the corporate platform which is also on the outside of turn 15, although some spectators from the Schumacher grandstand on the inside of turn 15 could have crossed over to the other side of the circuit using the nearby bridge, although the bridges are not normally in use during the race.
The statement from CAMS, the organization responsbile for the management of the ontrack activities, to Racing Clothesline read:
“The preliminary review indicates that the issue may have arisen as a consequence of one of the event course cars prematurely opening the circuit without clearance from Race Control. After race spectator track access is the subject of strict protocols which are contained in a comprehensive operations plan which is approved by the event Police and Emergency Services Committee.
CAMS will immediately undertake an urgent and thorough investigation into this incident and review all the relevant processes. CAMS will provide a report with final recommendations to the AGPC and the event Police and Emergency Services Committee by 10 April 2017.”
Some have speculated that the error was caused by a miscommunication among the marshals and security personnel. However, the event organizers have launched a full investigation into the issue to ensure that it doesn’t happen again in the future. The circuit will review CCTV footage and radio logs to track down the mistake that was made.
Marshal To Blame For Aborted Start In Australia
Weekend Summary: 2017 Australian GP
