British man charged with Singapore track invasion

A British national has appeared in court in Singapore charged with endangering the personal safety of drivers by walking across the track during last weekend’s floodlit Formula One Grand Prix.

The Straits Times reported that the 27-year-old, named as Yogvitam Pravin Dhokia, appeared in court on Tuesday and was offered bail of 15,000 Singapore dollars (£6,800).

For now, Dhokia is yet to post bail and his passport has been impounded by Singaporean authorities.

He is then seen taking photos of the oncoming drivers, as race leader Sebastian Vettel’s Ferrari roared round the turn. He told the court that the bail sum was too high for him and he is now not working.

“We can confirm the arrest of a British national in Singapore and we stand ready to provide consular assistance”, a spokesperson for the British High Commission told AFP in an email. I spent all my savings on tickets.

However, unflustered, he seemingly tried to take a picture of the cars as they whizzed past before jumping over the barrier on the other side of the track. “I don’t really have that kind of money”, Channel News Asia quoted him as saying. He is now in judicial remand as the event’s organisers, Singapore Grand Prix, submit a full, detailed report to motorsport governing body FIA.

This prompted the deployment of a second safety vehicle during the race, putting a damper on proceedings. The case is adjourned for two weeks and the next hearing will be October 6.