F1: 'Shooting near circuit has no impact on weekend'

A shooting took place near the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriquez just before the start of the Mexican Grand Prix weekend. Several people were injured and at least one person died, several Mexican media reported.

A 35-year-old man reportedly did not survive the shooting. This man was reportedly in a stolen car and chased by police on the night of Thursday to Friday. What followed was a shootout near the circuit between the suspect and several policemen. Police officers were injured, one of whom was taken to hospital in a critical condition with an abdominal shot. It is unclear whether he survived.

No impact on F1

A spokesman for the Formula 1 organisation told De Telegraaf and others that the incident did not affect the rest of the racing activities in Mexico City. 'It has no impact on the event. After an analysis by the local authorities and our own security team, it was concluded that it does not create an increased risk.'

Some 100,000 spectators are on hand this weekend at the popular Mexican GP. Their safety is guaranteed and so the F1 weekend will go ahead exactly as planned, say the event organisers.