Speeding Montoya pays the penalty

WILLIAMS F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has had his driving licence confiscated after being clocked exceeding the speed limit in the south of France over the weekend.

The Colombian’s BMW X5 was trapped by a radar gun doing in excess of 200kph along the road between Les Arcs and Le Muy in the Var region.

His licence was subsequently withdrawn by the local authorities pending a full investigation into the incident.

Ironically, the incident occured where Jenson Button was caught speeding after he had joined Williams three years ago.

His licence was subsequently withdrawn by the local authorities pending a full investigation into the incident. Although the matter could have repercussions regarding Montoya’s ability to use French roads without the aid of a chauffeur in coming months, it is unlikely that he will be prevented from competing in June’s French Grand Prix, as holding road and racing licences do not conflict should a driver being convicted of a road traffic offence.

The BMW WilliamsF1 Team driver, fourth in the recent Spanish Grand Prix, was recorded at just under 130mph on the French Riviera very near to his home in Monaco. He was travelling at nearly 50mph faster than the speed limit.

The Colombian could face a heavy fine and a long ban because he was chased by police before pulling over.

This is another blow to a driver who has endured a disappointing season so far. Having finished second in the season opener at Melbourne, Montoya has not stepped on the podium since and the Spanish Grand Prix was his only other points finish to date.

Williams-BMW team-mate Ralf Schumacher was able to carry on racing despite having his licence suspended following a string of accidents and speeding offences in Germany and Austria.

The German was stopped by Salzburg police for travelling in excess of 100mph in a controlled 62mph zone in 2001, resulting in a £450 fine for not being able to produce his driving licence, and faced a ban of up to two weeks for breaking the speed limit.