Jenson Button escapes armed attack in Brazil

Here's what we know. Reigning Formula One world champion Jenson Button has survived an armed attack on the vehicle in which he, his father, trainer and manager were being transported back to their hotel in Sao Paulo, Brazil after Saturday's qualifying session for the Brazilian Grand Prix. Button was fortunately riding in an armored vehicle provided by his team, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes, that was piloted by a police driver trained in avoidance techniques.

According to Button himself, the attack occurred while his vehicle was moving slowly past a shanty town in Sao Paulo. Six armed attackers, reportedly brandishing machine guns, attacked the vehicle, though Button doesn't mention whether shots were fired or his vehicle was hit. He has, however, praised his driver, who he says "bounced off about five cars" while ferrying the party from harm's way. That's quite a compliment coming from the reigning world champion.

Vodafone McLaren Mercedes also provided Button's teammate Lewis Hamilton with an armored vehicle and trained police driver. The precautions were reportedly taken on account of the high number of gun crimes in Sau Paulo. We're not sure if that's standard procedure for all F1 teams visiting Brazil this weekend, but we bet it will be in the future.

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/07/j...ack-in-brazil/

 

Sauber engineers also ambushed in Brazil

Jenson Button wasn't the only member of Bernie Ecclestone's traveling Formula One circus victimized by Sao Paolo's rampant criminal element yesterday. Sauber Motorsport says that three of its engineers were also robbed after leaving the Interlagos circuit last night around 8pm. While stopped at a traffic light, the group's minivan was reportedly surrounded by five robbers, one carrying an automatic weapon. The van's front passenger opened his door in response to the threat, and the bandits made off with a pair of backpacks, one of which contained a staffer's passport and phone among other items. After taking the bags, the thieves left, and no injuries were reported. The local police were informed of the incident, for whatever that's worth.

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/07/s...hed-in-brazil/

 

And to think that they are going to have the Olympics there in 6 years... The criminals are salivating...

Glad to hear that F1 teams doesn't have their heads in the sand...