Climate activists threaten Austrian GP

Protesters are reportedly planning to disrupt the Austrian GP this weekend.

The Austrian newspaper Kronen Zeitung said of the Formula 1 race promoted by circuit owner Red Bull: "Emergency services are not ruling out the possibility that climate activists could throw the plans into disarray."

In anticipation of problems, race organisers at the Red Bull Ring are coordinating with police, fire services, and even the civil protection and national defence departments.

"The whole world is looking at the Murtal district this weekend," said district administrator Nina Polzl. "Our common goal is to prepare and support the running of Formula 1 as a major international sporting event in the best possible way.

"The safety of the visitors is our top priority."

The newspaper report added that plain-clothes police will also be on duty, supported by their colleagues operating from the air in helicopters.

"Concepts that have been developed and refined over the past ten years are being put to use and can be adapted to the current situation," Kronen Zeitung continued.

"This could be particularly important this time, as climate activists have recently chosen various events for their protest actions."