25/09/2010
NEWS STORY
Sauber is one of several teams to be hit with a fine following today's sessions, the Swiss team ordered to pay $20,000 after it was deemed to have released release Nick Heidfeld in an unsafe manner.
The incident, which saw Heidfeld released into the path of Michael Schumacher who had to take avoiding action, happened in the second phase of qualifying. It was deemed by officials to be in contravention of Article 23.1 (j) of the sporting regulations.
There were fines also for Bruno Senna (7,600 euros) and Timo Glock (3,400 euros) for exceeding the speed limit in the pitlane during qualifying, while Christian Klien was fined twice (6,600 euros and 5,800 euros) for exceeding the pitlane speed limit on two separate occasions.
Lotus was reprimanded for releasing Jarno Trulli in an unsafe manner, failing to note the approach of Lucas di Grassi, while it was decided not to take further action against Michael Schumacher who was claimed to have posted a personal fastest sector time while a yellow flag was being displayed in the same sector. The Stewards, having heard from the driver and a Mercedes representative, noted the telemetry evidence which showed the German took appropriate action in reducing speed.
Acting as steward for the weekend, former Indy racer Danny Sullivan is fast developing a reputation for accepting no nonsense from the teams. The American was involved in the decision to fine Ferrari $100,000 at Hockenheim when the Italian team employed team orders to give Fernando Alonso victory.
To check out our Singapore qualifying gallery, click here