Speed loses point and fined for swearing

MELBOURNE, Apr 2 (Reuters) American Scott Speed was stripped of his first Formula One point and fined 5000 dollar for swearing at another driver after today's Australian Grand Prix.

Speed was all smiles after he crossed the line in eighth place for Red Bull-owned Scuderia Toro Rosso to become the first American since Michael Andretti 13 years ago to earn a championship point.

His team, who replaced Minardi at the end of last year, were also celebrating their first point when stewards ordered a hearing after Speed overtook Red Bull Racing driver David Coulthard while yellow flags were being waved.

The stewards found Speed guilty of breaching the regulations for ignoring the yellow flags prohibiting overtaking. He was given a reprimand and a time penalty of 25 seconds, dropping from eighth place to ninth.

Coulthard was promoted to eighth place, earning himself a single point and taking the Scot's career total to 500.

Speed was fined for swearing during the hearing.

''A further penalty is also imposed on the driver for using abusive language to another competitor during the stewards hearing, this conduct being wholly unacceptable,'' an FIA statement said.

''The driver is fined US00. The competitor is reminded of his right to appeal.'' REUTERS PDS BST1631