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Guns'n'races mar the Intelagos build-up

Reports of gun-play and gun-related crimes did nothing to enhance the reputation of Sao Paulo, as a number of teams fell victim to gun crimes in the run-up to the Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos.
The Williams team were the first of the victims, after a team vehicle was reportedly shot at on its way to the circuit. Then the Jaguar team had eight computers stolen from back-up vehicles. Minardi were hit twice: first, the Italian team's manager was robbed at gunpoint as he exited a city bank

and, subsequently, the team had a number of front wheels stolen from the circuit.
There were also unverified accounts caliming that two local race officials were shot and killed on Thursday night. No confirmation was available from the FIA, nor was there any firm backing for the suggestions that the alleged killings were in any way linked to the Grand Prix itself.

Nonetheless, it all adds up to bad news for the Sao Paulo venue. Last year, advertising hoardings fell onto the circuit during qualifying, with no injuries although Jean Alesi's Prost did collide with the debris. And the track was officially rebuked by the FIA who imposed a fine of £100,000. All of this will increase speculation over the future of Grand Prix racing in Brazil.

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