FIA clamps down on grid drying tactics in Japan

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The FIA has banned the process of drying a driver's grid box following Force India's protests of what happened at the Malaysia GP starting grid last weekend.

In Sepang, Force India noted that several teams had resorted to blasting the tarmac with hot air blowers to rid their driver's grid box from residual humidity.

The Silverstone-based outfit said the action was a breach of article 22.3 of F1's sporting regulations which state: "Other than by driving on the track, competitors are not permitted to attempt to alter the grip of any part of the track surface."

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The teams' actions however were not reported to the race stewards in Malaysia as the breach was not considered serious enough.

The governing body has now notified teams that drying a grid box is not allowed unless special permission is granted.

Force India COO Otmar Szafnauer who was critical of the teams' actions in Sepang said his team would likely file a complaint in the future if the rule was not respected.

"Maybe next time we will protest," he said.

"We will take it out of the hands of the people here and put it in the hands of the stewards and, if necessary, the Court of Appeal.

"If there is no punishment then is there no incentive not to do it again."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.