Nico Rosberg cleared by British GP stewards

The Mercedes driver, who will start the race from the front row alongside polesitter Lewis Hamilton, was investigated for an alleged breach of article 27.5 of the sporting regulations, governing the speed a driver must maintain when on a reconnaissance lap or an in-lap.

However, Rosberg was cleared by the stewards - including four-time British GP winner Nigel Mansell - who found that he was not in breach of the rule as he was not returning to the pits on the lap in question.

As the slow lap was not an in-lap, it was therefore not governed by article 27.5.

The rule states: "In order to ensure that cars are not driven unnecessarily slowly on in laps during and after the end of qualifying, or during reconnaissance laps when the pit exit is opened for the race, drivers must stay below the maximum time set by the FIA between the safety car line after the pit exit and safety car line before the pit entry.

"The maximum time will be determined by the race director at each event after the first day of practice, but may be amended later in the event if deemed necessary.

"The time will normally be based upon 145% of the best dry P1 or P2 time."