Track marshals take the opportunity to catch up on some much-needed shut-eye ahead of the hubbub and brouhaha of the Chinese Grand Prix at the Shanghai International Circuit
But the start is anything but sleepy as Ferrari's Fernando Alonso - third on the grid following Saturday's qualifying - makes a sensational start, overtaking the Red Bulls of Mark Webber and pole sitter Sebastian Vettel
However, race director Charlie Whiting suspects Alonso's start is not by the rules and immediately points at the Ferrari number eight - and the Spaniard is subsequently handed a drive-through penalty on lap five
The dramatic opening lap is made the more enthralling as rain begins to fall with almost all drivers on soft tyres, including both McLarens, and the wet conditions force the teams to reconsider their race strategies
The constant pit stops for tyre changes opens up a series of intriguing individual battles, the best of which sees Lewis Hamilton overtake Michael Schumacher on the inside of Turn 14 on lap 16
Alonso's mechanics take a well-earned breather following one of five pit stops made by the Spaniard during the 56-lap race
However, amid the individual tussles, defending world champion Jenson Button takes the lead on lap 19 when the Mercedes of Nico Rosberg goes too wide on Turn 11
Despite losing speed six laps from the finish after running wide on Turn 14, Button holds off team-mate Hamilton - running with a bald front-left tyre - to cross the finishing line
The 30-year-old revels in the glory as he secures his second victory of the season following his success in Melbourne at the Australian Grand Prix
The victory also propels Button to the top of the world championship while McLaren lead the constructors' race, making the customary champagne spray taste that little bit sweeter
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