While his on-track pace might have disappointed, Luca Badoer's speed in the pitlane was impressive, and highly lucrative for the FIA.

The veteran Italian, who is making his return to the F1 grid after ten years as a test driver, was caught exceeding the pitlane speed limit on no less than four occasions, resulting in three fines and an 'interview' with the Race Stewards who gave him a reprimand.

The first offence came at 14:00, when Badoer was recorded at 62.7 k/ph, resulting in a 600 euro fine. At 14:21 he was clocked at 66 k/ph (1,800 euros), at 14:42 it was 65.9 k/ph (3,000 euros) and finally at 14:44 it was 61.8 k/ph, resulting in a trip to the Stewards.

"I expected a difficult day and so it was," sighed the Italian.

There was also a fine for Jenson Button, who hit 72.7 k/ph in the pitlane, thereby picking up a 2600 euro fine, while the Stewards decided that the incident involving Fernando Alonso and Nick Heidfeld didn't warrant further action.

Renault also escaped punishment when Alonso and Romain Grosjean failed to attend the official autograph signing event - as did most spectators judging by the empty grandstands - the Stewards deeming that the offence - a breech of Art 35. 2 of the 2009 F1 Sporting Regulations - didn't warrant further action.