Jarno Trulli insists driving the wrong way on the Singapore circuit and crossing the pit lane entry was the safest option after a practice spin on Friday.

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 penalised 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.

Source: GMM