The National Republican Guard (GNR) captured three unauthorized drones in the area of the Algarve International Circuit (AIA) during the Portuguese MotoGP Grand Prix, which was held in Portimão over the weekend.
In a security statement, they recalled that “the airspace in the area of the event has been closed” to guarantee the safety of the event of the first stage of the 2023 Motorsport World Championship.
During the operation, GNR discovered the use of three unauthorized drones, “the same ones were seized and the facts were reported to the National Aviation Administration (ANAC).”
GNR recalls the creation of a security device with a total of 650 military personnel to ensure the security of an event of various significance (territorial, road, intervention, criminal investigation, film technology, explosive device disposal and protection and assistance), supported by a helicopter “for the purpose of ensuring the security of the event, prevention of traffic accidents and ensuring the movement of traffic.
With the exception of this incident, GNR adds that “the show took place in complete safety and tranquility, despite the large influx of registered people, which caused an overload of access to the AIA” and that “there is no record of any relevant incident.”
The Portuguese Grand Prix was the first of 21 rounds of the MotoGP World Championship.
Italy’s Francesco Bagna (Ducati) won both races of the weekend, the sprint on Saturday and the main race on Sunday.
Portugal’s Miguel Oliveira (April) was forced to retire on the third of 25 scheduled laps after being knocked down by Spain’s Marc Marquez (Honda).
The two will miss the next round at the weekend in Argentina due to injuries sustained in the crash.