F1 pays respects at Valencia

As requested by Fernando Alonso, drivers and leading figures from F1 (including Bernie Ecclestone, Ron Dennis and Frank Williams) held a three-minute silence in Valencia today as a tribute to the victims of the Spanair plane disaster.

The silence took place at midday, shortly after the conclusion of the first free practice session - we’re not sure from this photo if David Coutlhard is shedding a tear, or merely wiping sweat from his face after a hot morning in his car.

More photos after the jump…