The FIA collects over €12,000 in fines at Suzuka
After releasing Sebastien Buemi's car during his first pit stop, the Toro Rosso driver retired a few corners later... on three wheels. For not fastening the right-front wheel nut correctly, the FIA decided to fine Scuderia Toro Rosso 5000€!
In Suzuka, once again the FIA – Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile – which oversees the Formula 1 Grand Prix, handed out numerous fines.
Bruno Senna was penalized for excessive speed in the pit lane. The Lotus Renault GP driver was clocked at the pit lane entrance at over 110 km/h. He was fined €2,200, which he must pay himself. This is the third time the Brazilian driver has been penalized for speeding.
This weekend in Japan, Michael Schumacher was also reprimanded. The German entered the pit lane after the ground markings that signal its end. The Mercedes driver crossed the line on the ground, and for having shown dangerous behavior during the free practice 2 of the Japanese GP, he received a €5000 fine.
€5000 is also what the Toro Rosso team was fined. Sebastien Buemi had to retire after his first pit stop. The Swiss driver lost his front right wheel after a few meters due to a poorly tightened bolt. This is not the first time this phenomenon has occurred in a race, as Toro Rosso had already been penalized in China with €10,000 when Jaime Alguersuari found himself on 3 wheels in the 10th lap of the race.
Note that the highest fine of the season is still attributed to Adrian Sutil for speeding twice in the same session. He was fined €18,400 during the Chinese Grand Prix.
