Stewards fine Schumacher at Spa
Michael Schumacher's 300th Grand Prix weekend has not started the way he would have wanted after suffering two rain-drenched practice sessions and a pit-entry fine at Spa on Friday.
Torrential rain ruled out any progress during both practice sessions that saw just a handful of drivers brave the extreme conditions, as teams were intent on keeping their cars intact ahead of the improved weather expected ahead of Sunday's Belgian Grand Prix.
The 43-year-old Mercedes driver completed four laps in the morning, but as conditions worsened in the afternoon, saw no point in completing a timed lap.
The seven-times champion said he was disappointed not to have had more time out on track and stressed the importance Saturday morning's final practice would have on his performance during Sunday's race.
"Coming to Spa this year is very special for me, especially with the honour of being awarded the honourary citizenship of Spa on Thursday, and I look forward to a stunning race weekend," said Schumacher.
"Unfortunately the weather today did not allow us to do much more than just basic work as there was too much rain coming down in both sessions.
"Tomorrow's practice will nevertheless be very important, especially as the weather is supposed to be much better. I look forward to going out on this beautiful track again tomorrow."
Schumacher was later fined 2 500 euros by the FIA for not using the pit-entry road correctly during the afternoon session.
Stewards at Spa claimed Schumacher 'did not stay to the right of the bollard on the left in the pit entry' when he entered the pits with half an hour remaining.
However, Schumacher escaped any further punishment because he had not affected another driver
The steward's verdict read: "The driver did not enter the pitlane via the pit entry as defined in the race directors' notes to team managers.
"However as no other cars were in the vicinity, the offence is not regarded as dangerous and it did not impede another competitor."
