Trulli fined in Singapore
The Toyota driver was formally reprimanded and fined 10,000 euros for the rules breaches.
"I wanted to move off the racing line as safely as possible, so I decided to go down the pit lane," Trulli, 34, is quoted as saying in a team statement.
"I took the quickest and safest option available to me and the other cars. I have been penalized and I accept that but I know I did the safest thing for me and the other drivers — it is one of the quickest corners on the track and you don't want to have a crash there."
Trulli was notably off the pace in both 90 minute test sessions on Friday, and admitted to struggling not only with the severe bumps and his car's setup.
"I struggled a little bit with driving at night because there are some dark spots which make it a bit harder than normal," said the Italian.
09/26/08 (GMM) Jarno Trulli has been fined 10,000 euros after a visit to the stewards' office on the first day of action under the lights in Singapore.
The Toyota driver broke the rules by driving the wrong way up the pit straight, and then performing a u-turn across the pit entry, following a spin in the first practice session.
Article 30.2 of F1's sporting regulations says drivers are "strictly forbidden" from driving the wrong way around a circuit, "unless this is absolutely necessary in order to move the car from a dangerous position".
Italian Trulli, 34, also broke the regulation forbidding drivers from crossing "the line separating the deceleration zone and the track".
As well as the fine, stewards also gave him an official reprimand.