Team boss Ross Brawn is used to seeing his cars go quickly this season, but not necessarily with himself at the wheel. It is somewhat ironic, therefore, to learn that the genial tactician could lose his driving licence for a speeding offence.

Brawn, who helped rescue the former Honda F1 team ahead of a successful start to the 2009 season - where lead driver Jenson Button won six of the first seven grands prix - stands accused of driving at 100mph on a 70mph A30 in Devon on 30 May.

According to the BBC, the 54-year old was unable to appear at Plymouth Magistrates' Court as required on Monday due to the pressure of preparing for the forthcoming races in Valencia and Spa-Francorchamps, and did not enter a plea. The case was duly adjourned until 4 September.

Brawn's team is coming under increasing pressure from main title rival Red Bull Racing, with Button being chased down by both Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel after RBR's performance took an upturn from Silverstone.