This year's race was the first in F1's recent history that was shortcut due to poor visibility. While most of the reasoning behind the halt was the heavy rain that started pouring down the track, the late starting hour (5 PM, local time) was also decisive. At one point the rain stopped and, hadn't it been for the dark conditions, the drivers could have resumed racing for the remainder of the afternoon.
Instead, the race was declared over by Lap 31, with all drivers being awarded half points for their positions at the time of the halt.
Sepang track boss Razlan Razali was one of the most vocal supporters of moving the race earlier on Sunday, in spite of the complications it would have caused in terms of European audience. While happy he was able to move the race one hour earlier, he admitted it would have been far better to start the Sunday action even earlier.
“Of course, it would have been even better if we stuck to the time we've always had,” said Razali in an interview with Singapore's Today newspaper, reminding everyone that, prior to the 2009 season, the Malaysian Grand Prix has started earlier on Sunday.
“We are not keen on a night race but we now have a good compromise and are happy it won't start later,” added Razali.
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