David Couthard Speeding fine for 160mph in a 30mph limit

David Coulthard – driving a Red Bull F1 – has been fined for speeding at 160mph in a 30mph zone at an event in Mumbai.

On the face of it the headline does suggest that DC was being a little careless getting nicked for doing 130 mph over the speed limit. And you could reasonably expect a ban to follow. But there is mitigation…

David has been driving the Red Bull F1 car at a week long celebration of F1 in Mumbai, India. Part of that celebration was a drive across the Rajiv Ghandi Sea Link in Mumbai, an integral part of Mumbai’s road link. And it was the final event in a week which included F1 cars showcased in Malls, engine start-ups and car assembly. DC also did the PR bit with visits to universities and a cricket match.

But the highlight was DC driving the Red Bull F1 car over the Rajiv Ghandi Sea Link. The starting flag was dropped by the head of local plod – D. Sivananda – and DC whipped across the bridge, did a few donuts and back again complete with Indian flag, to the delight of the 50,000 spectators.

But it now appears that despite dropping the flag to start the run local plod are up in arms because DC did over 160mph in an area where limits are as low as 30mph. So they’re fining the event’s sponsors by withholding their deposit of around £20k.

Which seems a bit rich. what did they want DC to do? 29mph? At least he was wearing his seat belt.