Grapevine: Vettel fined after just nine seconds

As he left the pits to become the youngest driver to take part in a Formula One event, at just 19 years and 53 days, the German succeeded in breaking the pitlane speed limit.

An official statement issued by the stewards confirmed that Vettel was caught doing 64.3km/h in the pitlane, just nine seconds after the track had opened for first practice.

Despite the incident, Vettel's performances to top the times in the second session have fully justified BMW motorsport director Mario Theissen's faith in him.

"We think that even though he is very young, he has gained a lot of experience already, and he has done a lot of racing," said Theissen.

"He started very early and he has proven he can handle it. And that is why we applied for the super licence in order to give him the chance to provide it here."

Theissen has confirmed that Vettel's place at the team will be reviewed after this weekend.

"That decision is open," he said. "It will be taken on a race-by-race basis."