Briton charged with entering F1 track

A British national who entered the race track during Sunday night's Singapore Grand Prix was charged in the State Courts yesterday.

Tourist Yogvitam Pravin Dholia, 27, was slapped with one count of committing a rash act.

He is accused of entering the race track near Turn 13 along Esplanade Drive and crossing the track during the race, endangering the safety of the drivers.

Closed-circuit television footage released after the race showed a man entering by a hole in the fence and walking against the flow of traffic before running back after seeing a race car approaching.

Yogvitam was arrested on Sunday night.

No plea was taken from him yesterday as investigations were continuing.

The prosecution asked that his bail be set at $15,000, and his bailor be a Singapore citizen, a permanent resident or a British consular officer.

His passport is also to be impounded.

Dressed in a blue short-sleeved shirt, Yogvitam, who is close to 2m tall, told the court the bail amount was too high and he could not afford it.

He said he was unemployed and travelling on his savings, and had spent all his money on tickets.

Yogvitam will be further remanded as further charges may be tendered, the prosecution said.

The judge acceded to his request to make a phone call.

He will return to court on Oct 6.