F1 to pay respects to Paris victims in Brazil
Formula 1 plans to pay respects to the victims of the Paris terrorist attacks during a one-minute silence ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix.
Photo by: Eric Gilbert
The FIA was already planning a ceremony to honour road traffic deaths, and this will now be combined to also remember those who were killed in Friday night's atrocities.
The specifics of the arrangements will be finalised during meetings on Saturday.
Speaking to the media at Interlagos on Saturday morning, FIA president Jean Todt said: "We had already planned to do something tomorrow at the occasion of the day of celebrations for road victims.
"Every day on our streets, 3500 people die. Every day there are 30 times more people who die than in the Paris assassinations.
"We had decided a minute of silence and of course we can't ignore what happened in Paris. We will thus have a moment of attention for what happened in Paris."
No FIA link
Todt insisted that it would be wrong for the FIA to do anything exceptional simply because its headquarters are in Paris.
"It's a bewilderment, the horror after this attack in Paris, but that could happen anywhere in the world," he said.
"We only are poor spectators in front of such a spectacle. Paris is one of the great capitals of the world and it's not appropriate to link the FIA to this tragic accident.
"But you can only suffer when you see such a drama as yesterday's and we hope it won't happen again."
Update
The FIA said later on Saturday that the plan is to have Paris tribute linked with World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.
The FIA said: "The drivers' parade will see all competitors wearing a black armband as a sign of mourning and tribute to the victims of the Paris tragedy and as a gesture of solidarity with their families and loved ones.
"In addition, a French flag decorated with a black ribbon will be carried on the truck used during the drivers' parade. The same flag will be displayed on the world television feed, as will 13.11.2015, the date of the tragedy.
"Finally, a backdrop prepared for the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims will be displayed behind the drivers on the grid at 13h45 (local time) for a minute of silence as a tribute to hose who have lost their lives or have been injured in road traffic accidents."
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