| | Associated Press
HOCKENHEIM, Germany -- The protester who wandered around the
course during the German Grand Prix and crossed the track in front
of oncoming cars was released by police Monday.
The man, an unidentified 47-year-old Frenchman, had told police
he was protesting his dismissal for health reasons by Mercedes-Benz
after 20 years of service.
He was released and allowed to go home after posting bail of
$950 following the arrival of his wife.
"As long as we know his address in France, nothing speaks
against it," said Oskar Gattner, spokesman for the prosecutor's
office in Mannheim, "Besides, we don't think he will go on the
run."
The track could face a heavy fine from the governing body of
motor sports. The track has filed trespassing charges against the
Frenchman.
The man dodged security and wandered along a wooded section of
the Hockenheim circuit, crossing the track as Formula One cars
approached at high speed.
It took a couple of minutes before stewards reached the man and
took him away in a car, while the drivers were slowed by a safety
car for two laps.
Mercedes-Benz provides engines for the McLaren Formula One cars.
The man's action actually helped McLaren rival Ferrari and driver
Rubens Barrichello win the race.
The same man was dragged away by a steward from the starting
grid 15 seconds before the formation lap. Police said the man had
cut through a fence about 500 yards from the track.
"It is very regrettable that something like this could have
happened here," said Gustav Schrank, the mayor of Hockenheim and
chairman of the company that runs the circuit. "We will sit down
together with the police and others involved to prevent something
like that happening again."
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