02/04/2006
NEWS STORY
Toro Rosso driver Scott Speed has been hit with a double-whammy penalty following today's Australian Grand Prix.
The American was given a reprimand and time penalty of 25 seconds, to be added to his race time, for ignored waved yellow flags.
However, according to the race stewards: "A further penalty is also imposed on the driver for using abusive language to another competitor during the stewards' hearing. This conduct being wholly unacceptable. The driver is fined the sum of US$5000. The competitor is reminded of his right of appeal."
It is thought that 'the other competitor' is David Coulthard as it was he who was overtaken.
Coulthard gets the last laugh however, as, due to the time penalty, Speed drops below the Scot who consequently scores a point for eighth.
Super Aguri's Takuma Sato was given a reprimand for ignoring blue flags.