JULY 4, 2014
Lopez witnessed abduction of female friend
Lotus team owner Gerard Lopez was in the middle of a kidnapping incident, according to reports in the French press. Le Quotidien claims Lopez was returning from a business trip to Venezuela when he visited his 38-year-old friend Stephanie Turci in France. Lopez was reportedly the only witness when masked men armed with silenced pistols burst into the house and dragged Turci, who is divorced, into a waiting Renault Espace. Subsequent reports indicate Turci is safe and well, having been set free without any demand of ransom. Lopez's lawyer is quoted as saying: "I can only conclude that Ms Turci was the target." French authorities are reportedly investigating the incident. (GMM)