By Jonathan Noble Friday, October 14th 2011, 10:19 GMT
Nico Rosberg, MercedesNico Rosberg has been fined 10,000 Euros, of which 5,000 Euros will be suspended, for failing to visit the stewards in a 'timely' manner after second free practice.
The Mercedes GP driver was summoned to see the stewards for his involvement in a collision with Jaime Alguersuari in FP2.
Although there was no doubt Rosberg had collided with Alguersuari, the stewards decided that because of the circumstances of his crash, and the fact he had no previous offences, that he would escape a punishment.
A statement from the stewards said: "The stewards having regard to the extenuating circumstances involving the Pit Exit, the wet track and the telemetry which indicated the Driver of Car 8 was on full braking from the time where he apparently noticed Car 19, and further, taking into account Mr Rosberg's good record during his years in Formula 1, decide to impose no penalty."
Despite escaping the punishment for his part in the collision, the stewards were not impressed that Rosberg did not attend his meeting with them as soon as he could.
AUTOSPORT understands that part of the issue was the fact that Rosberg spoke to the media for his regular post-practice interviews before visiting the stewards. In those interviews, Rosberg talked about his views on the incident.
Article B of the 2011 FIA International Sporting Code relating to 'Obligation of Co-operation' states: "All FIA Licence-Holders and all Participants in International Events undertake to cooperate fully and entirely with any disciplinary investigation conducted by the FIA."
For not visiting the stewards in time, Rosberg was fined 10,000 Euros, with half of that being suspended pending no similar breach occurring during the next 12 months. He can, in theory, appeal that decision though.
