Greater Noida, Oct 25 (IANS): Formula 1 team Williams were fined 60,000 euros for the second time in three weeks after a front right tyre wheel nut of Pastor Maldonado's car came off during the second practice session of the Indian Grand Prix here Sunday.

The Venezuelan driver had to stop his car at Turn 14 of the Buddh International Circuit (BIC) after the wheel nut incident, which also led to a deflated tyre.

"Examination of the parts concerned revealed that the wheel fastener had been cross threaded, thus not engaging the primary retaining plunger. This is a breach of Article 23.12 of FIA Formula 1 Sporting Regulations as the car was released in an unsafe condition," said an FIA statement.

"The secondary retaining plunger failed to keep the wheel fastener in place. This is breach of Article 14.7 of the FIA Formula 1 Technical Regulations. The stewards decide that a fine of 60,000 euros is the most appropriate penalty in this case taking into account this was the second offence, but on this occasion the wheel was retained," the statement added.