Formula one:Jenson Button returns to Sao Paulo for this weekend's Brazilian Grand Prix without any fear despite memories still fresh of being held up at gunpoint a year ago.
Security is to be beefed up for this season’s event after a spate of incidents over the years culminating in the attack on the English driver last November he described at the time as “horrendous”.
Button, along with father John, manager Richard Goddard and trainer Mike Collier, had just left the Interlagos circuit after qualifying on Saturday when a group of armed assailants approached their car.
Fortunately for the quartet the armoured B-class Mercedes was being driven by a police officer trained in avoidance techniques.
The driver used the car as a battering ram to force his way through a group of cars ahead that had stopped at a set of traffic lights.
It was only by his quick thinking and actions that any of the party avoided injury, allowing Button to compete in the race the following day.
Looking back on the incident now, Button said: “Something was going to happen. It had happened so many times with the mechanics and engineers, and in the end it was going to happen to a driver.
“I don’t think they wanted anything except for our bags out of the boot. But we have more security this year. I think every driver you see will have a police escort, and they should do. But you have to spare a thought for everyone else in Formula One because they don’t have police escorts.
“So yeah, it’s a tough one because it’s such a good grand prix. I love racing at Sao Paulo. There is a special atmosphere, even when your team-mate is Brazilian (as in 2009 with Rubens Barrichello) and you are fighting for the world championship.
“I still love it there because they are so passionate, and there is so much history at that circuit. It’s a pity things do happen there when we leave the circuit, but I think that just shows the divide in Brazil.”
Last year on the same night as Button’s incident, a group of Sauber mechanics were held up at gunpoint after leaving the circuit and forced to hand over their belongings.
Formula One Management personnel were also robbed after they had stopped to change a tyre on their vehicle, whilst a handful of photographers had their equipment stolen throughout the weekend.