When teams awoke on Sunday morning some thought all their prayers had been answered with a heavy rain storm sweeping over thaw Sepang International Circuit. However, by the time the race was ready to be run, the track was almost dry with only a few damp patches to speak of.
For some teams, the fact that their grid slot was still a bit damp could have posed problems when their drivers took the start of the 56 lap race, so they got to work with blowers to make sure their grid slots were as dry as possible.
However, it seems as if by doing so, these teams broke the rule that states competitors are not allowed to alter the grip of any part of the track surface.
Force India's COO Otmar Szafnauer complained to the FIA at the time, however the sports governing body opted to take no further action.
"Half the cars on the grid were drying the circuit, which is not allowed, and we didn't," Szafnauer told Motorsport.com."We actually followed the rules so when everyone else is drying the circuit they get a much better start than we do on the wet side of the grid. I think McLaren was one of the teams drying the grid."
"I haven't talked to Charlie, but some of the other FIA members. I don't know, they are bewildered by it. I don't know what they are going to do. We pointed it out on the grid, that they were doing it. You're not allowed to do it. Many cars did it and got a better start because of it. And than all that kind of stuff happens."
