Ferrari fined after tyre infringement in second practice

Ferrari were handed a fine of EUR5000 after having sent out Charles Leclerc on the intermediate tyres in Free Practice 2, although the track was not declared wet.

The incident happened at the start of the second practice session. Drivers lined up at the end of the pit lane as they were eager to kick off their running after the opening practice had been disrupted by rain. While most of the drivers opted to head out onto the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on the Pirelli's softs, Ferrari sent Charles Leclerc out on intermediate.

Leclerc used the green-walled tyres, although the track was not declared wet. Article 30.5l states that teams may only use intermediate or wet tyres if the race director Niels Wittich declares the track wet.

"During any free practice session intermediate and wet-weather tyres may only be used after the track has been declared wet by the Race Director, following which intermediate, wet or dry-weather tyres may be used for the remainder of the session,' reads Article 30.5l of the FIA Formula One Sporting Regulation.

Following the practice session, the stewards noted that a Ferrari representative was required to report to them at 6.30 p.m. local time. After hearing from the Scuderia's representative, Ferrari were deemed to be in breach with the rules and the Italian outfit was fined EUR5000.

The stewards' verdict read: "The Stewards heard from the team representative and reviewed video evidence. Car 16 left the pit lane on intermediate tyres at the beginning of the session despite the fact that the track had not been declared wet and returned to the pits after one lap.

"This constitutes a breach of Art 30.5 l) which only permits the use of intermediate or wet weather tyres after the track has been declared wet by the race director."