According to The Sun Newspaper (This is the worst way to open a news article, we know, bear with us), the organisers of the British Grand Prix apparently fear an ISIS attack at Silverstone for the Formula 1 race in June and measures are being introduced to prevent such an attack.
The Sun paper reported (ha!) on the story, going as far as borderline fantasising about what an attack like this could do to a crowd of F1 fans. Forever a perpetuator of engineering tensions, the publication is now glorifying attacks that haven’t even happened.
Lewis Hamilton streaked away to comfortably win his home British Grand Prix on Sunday, with Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg hanging on for a provisional second. Third was the Red Bull of Max Verstappen, but championship leader Rosberg — suffering late gear-box trouble — was under investigation over a radio communication that could spell further trouble for the German.
/ AFP / ADRIAN DENNIS (Photo credit should read ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/Getty Images)
According to the Sun, British GP officials have hired the services of Drone Defence, who are profiting from the climate of fear that we now apparently live in, if you believe everything you read. A spokesperson for the company said,
“Outdoor events, festivals and sporting venues are all very attractive targets for rogue drone users. And when you consider that a lot of events have low-flying aircraft too, then the impact of a drone could be significant.”
– Drone Defence
The moment preemptive measures are put into place to this extent, along with stories that glorify such an attack when it hasn’t even happened, a climate of fear is created without anything actually happening.
In the article, The Sun newspaper writes:
“Several high profile events are ramping up security over fears lone wolf jihadis might use cheap drones – which can be bought online – will fly them over busy British high streets.”
– The Sun
Is this a comment or an instruction guide on how to blow up your first Grand Prix? A spokesperson for Silverstone didn’t comment on anything ISIS related, showing that The Sun is bending the story to their own narrative.
“We only ever allow pre-approved drone operators at the Circuit who adhere to a strict accreditation process. Not only is a drone a significant distraction to the drivers on the track, but the circuit has its own heliport and therefore airspace over the venue also has to be taken into consideration, particularly at the Grand Prix when the volume of air traffic is significant.
Silverstone is therefore currently considering its options with regard to drone defence at the British Grand Prix. Regarding the use of nets, I cannot confirm whether this is a method that a drone defender would use.”
– Silverstone Spokesperson
So as usual, the reality is different and it sounds like Silverstone haven’t even decided whether or not this is the route they wish to take. Conclusion: Go to the British Grand Prix, enjoy the racing and don’t let BS put you off. Anyway, back to grown-up reporting…
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