As the British Grand Prix weekend gets underway, the police have warned of potential disruption of Sunday's race by protestors.

"We have received credible intelligence that a group of protestors are planning to disrupt the event and possibly invade the track on race day," said Chief Inspector Tom Thompson of Northamptonshire Police in a brief statement.

"First of all, I want to appeal directly to this group of people and strongly urge you to not put yourselves, the drivers, as well as the many marshals, volunteers and members of the public, at risk.

"Going onto a live racetrack is extremely dangerous – if you go ahead with this reckless plan you are jeopardising lives.

"Protesting is of course everyone's human right in this country and we are more than happy to speak with you to help you facilitate a peaceful protest at the circuit, we just please ask that you do not create a situation that puts lives in danger.

"I would just appeal to members of the public to be extra vigilant and to make us aware of anything you see during the race weekend that doesn't look right. We would rather get a well-meaning report that turns out to be nothing, than not receive one at all.

"If you see or suspect anything suspicious, please report it to a member of the police or security."

Of course, Silverstone has history, the 2003 Grand Prix turned on its head when a former priest ran on to the track during the race.

In recent months various protest groups have caused disruption using various methods, and among environmentalists the Grand Prix would be seen as a prime target.

Only last month, Sebastian Vettel admitted to being conflicted, admitting that whilst he continued to drive a Formula One car he fully empathised with those protesting in the name of global warming.

Check out our Friday gallery from Silverstone here.

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by Italian Job, 02/07/2022 12:33

"@Spindoctor
Unfortunately, whenever I hear the police using the word "credible" I start to wonder. As our esteemed Editor said "they have form""

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2. Posted by Spindoctor, 02/07/2022 10:19

"@editor
But they appear to have "credible intelligence".... (it's the cuffs for me too now, I expect)"

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3. Posted by Apexing, 02/07/2022 0:39

"@Defiant That's a brilliant idea. Everyone likes a good game of Pedestrian. Remember, don't aim for where they are, aim for where they're going to be..."

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4. Posted by Lapps, 01/07/2022 19:47

"How long do you think it would take the FIA to homologate a mini ‘bull-bar’ for the cars? "

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5. Posted by Defiant, 01/07/2022 18:16

"Well lets add a new rule in before Sunday. Something like this, If you squish a "protester" on track during a race, then you'll receive 200 WDC points immediately.

I could support that."

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6. Posted by Editor, 01/07/2022 17:00

"@ @R1Racing71

Sadly, in the tragic case of poor Sarah, they had a vested interest.

I'll probably get nicked for typing that... they have form"

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7. Posted by @R1Racing71, 01/07/2022 16:55

"@ed with the exception of a Sarah Everard vigil you mean. Try organising one of them anytime soon and the riot vans will descend upon you from the gates of hell."

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8. Posted by Kristofforo, 01/07/2022 15:39

"Just as long as they take care to not run up the inside of Verstappen at Copse. "

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9. Posted by Editor, 01/07/2022 15:10

"@ Spindoctor

Probably a tough one for Plod Thompson as the Old Bill appear to empathise with most causes these days.

Would be amusing if Vettel was leading when an Extinction Rebellion mob invaded the track."

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10. Posted by Spindoctor, 01/07/2022 15:02

""A Group of protestors" - do you think you could be more vague?"

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Police warn of potential disruption to British Grand Prix

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