20/07/2012
NEWS STORY
Pastor Maldonado will be forced to open his not unsubstantial cheque book after being caught speeding in the pit lane during opening practice.
The Williams driver was caught doing 66 kph midway through the session, the stewards fining the Venezuelan 1400 euros for the infringement.
The fine is Maldonado's third for speeding this year: He was the first to be fined for speeding in Melbourne FP2 (400 euros); then he got done in Valencia (1400) plus today's penalty. Add his fine for colliding with Perez at Silverstone and he has already contributed 13,200, to the FIA's coffers this season.
It was a difficult morning for Williams in variable conditions. While Maldonado was ninth fastest , Valtteri Bottas, the Finnish rookie taking part in place of Bruno Senna, ended the session in the barrier.
Locking his brakes in the stadium section Bottas spun into the barrier, damaging the left rear of the car which is expected to be repaired ahead of the afternoon session, when Senna will be back in the seat.
Check out our Friday gallery, here.