Japanese GP: Williams F1 fined for wheel loss

It was announced that the Williams F1 has been fined €60,000 as a result of the loss of the left rear wheel of Pastor Maldonado's car in opening Friday practice for the Japanese Grand Prix.

Maldonado was forced to stop his car when the wheel came off at Spoon Curve on his third flying lap.

The team was to face the Race Stewards to explain what had happened. The FIA Felt that Williams had been guilty of a 'serious safety issue' in that the wheel not staying attached to the car when it has worked its way loose.

A statement issued by the stewards said: "Examination of the parts concerned revealed that the wheel fastener had not been completely fastened, thus not engaging the first retaining plunger. This is a breach of article 23.12 of the FIA Formula 1 sporting regulations.

"The second retaining plunger failed to keep the wheel in place. This is a breach of article 14.7 of the FIA Formula 1 technical regulations."

The stewards added that Williams had promised to take action to ensure there would be no repeat incident in the future.