News briefs from Montreal: Saturday
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David Coulthard (Red Bull) and Williams' Kazuki Nakajima were both fined for speeding in pitlane on Friday. Japanese Nakajima's infraction cost him only 400 euros, but veteran Coulthard went a whopping 25kph too fast in the 50kph-limited zone, incurring a 3000 euro fine.
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African automobile association D.N. Njoroge took exception to comments made by F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone this week and is calling for an apology. He said it was a "derogatory, demeaning and uncalled for attack" when Ecclestone derided Max Mosley's confidence victory in Paris.
"Just because he gets a few clubs from Africa voting for him will not make the king of Spain want to shake his hand," the F1 chief executive had told a British newspaper.
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Hot on the heels of rumors that Kimi Raikkonen is contemplating retiring after next year, it is being reported by the German newspaper Bild from Montreal that Ferrari has offered the reigning world champion a new $40m per year deal.
When asked if talks with Ferrari have begun, the Finn said in Canada: "Kind of, yes."
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According to local forecasts, free practice and qualifying at Montreal on Saturday should be dry, although a high chance of rain persists for race-day Sunday. Not all paddock residents, however, agree.
"Our projections indicate that it will be dry on Saturday and Sunday," BMW-Sauber team boss Mario Theissen is quoted as saying by Motorsport Aktuell.