Fines for Maldonado and Kobayashi

08/07/2012

Pastor Maldonado and Kamui Kobayashi have both been fined following incidents in today's British Grand Prix.

The Japanese was hit with a 25,000 euro fine for the incident during his second pit stop which saw him run into three of his crew.

Deemed as an "unsafe entry to designated pit stop area", a breach of Article 30.13 of the FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations, the stewards, who include 1992 world champion Nigel Mansell, described it as "a very dangerous manoeuvre which had potentially serious implications".

Two of the crew members were taken to the circuit's medical centre for treatment, one for an injured thumb and the other for cuts and bruises, while the third suffered a bruised foot and was treated in the team's garage. All are now said to be OK.

"The accident at the pit stop was my fault and I want to apologise to the team," said Kobayashi."Of course I had to push hard for points, but without doubt I braked too late in the pit lane. The front wheels locked, I couldn't control the car, and this is how I overshot the pit box. I am terribly sorry this happened, and I hope the three mechanics I hit get well soon."

Meanwhile, Pastor Maldonado was hit with a 10,000 euro fine and a reprimand for the move which saw Kobayashi's teammate, Sergio Perez, eliminated from the race.

"I braked later than Maldonado, he didn't give me any room at all and just came into me," said the Mexican, who believes it is time for stronger official action in terms of the Venezuelan.

"In my view it was not a racing incident," he added. "We all fight very hard, but give each other room. It is a shame because my car was really going very well. I had moved up from 15th to seventh before my pit stop and was confident of scoring points."

"I don't understand why he drives like that," he later told reporters. "It is not the first time he has damaged my weekend. This guy will never learn if they don't do something. He could hurt someone. Everybody has concerns about him."

Maldonado, who was hit with a 20s penalty in Valencia following a clash with Lewis Hamilton, saw things slightly differently.

"Our race was compromised after the incident with Perez," he said. "I'm disappointed because the car was looking much more consistent after the pit stop."

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