Turkish GP organisers defend safety measures

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Wednesday 14th May 2008

Organisers of the Turkish Grand Prix insist they did everything they could to prevent stray animals from entering the circuit.

The FIA is set to launch an investigation into security at Istanbul Park after two stray dogs ran onto the track during the GP2 race.

Disaster struck when Bruno Senna hit one of the dogs, killing it on impact.

Istanbul Park Organizasyon A.S. says it is difficult to keep the animals away from the track during grand prix weekends.

"We take very seriously the matter of track safety, we took all possible measures to manage the problem and we co-operated with the FIA race director throughout the grand prix," they said in a response to Reuters.

"We regret the incident involving Bruno Senna's car and we are far from complacent about it but, with the best will in the world, it isn't possible to eradicate the problem altogether.

"Unfortunately they are more noticeably prevalent at the circuit during the grand prix week, attracted we think by the various catering units that competitors bring with them.

"As in past years, the circuit operator took as many precautions as possible to police the 2,500,000 sqm circuit and its 8km perimeter with a team of vets on site to catch any dogs and to relocate them.

"But this is of itself a dangerous task because some of these dogs are feared to carry rabies and appropriate precautions need to be taken."