Bernie Ecclestone has brushed off criticism surrounding the start time of Sunday's monsoon-hit Malaysian GP.

Ecclestone switched the beginning of the race to 5pm local time to attract a bigger television audience across Europe.

However, concerns were aired long before the event at the Sepang circuit about the strong chance of rain in the early evening, and so it proved.

Once the heavy rain struck the race had to be stopped and it was ultimately decided conditions were too dangerous for a re-start.

Speaking to Autosport, Formula One supremo Ecclestone was asked if he had any regrets over his decision.

"No, I just have regrets about the rain," he said. "I don't see anything wrong with the start time, we just didn't know about the rain.

"If we had started at 2pm then it would have rained as well."

However, race organisers have confirmed they are to discuss the situation with Ecclestone regarding next year's race and beyond.

Sepang International Circuit chairman Datuk Mokhzani Mahathir said: "We will review it.

"As to exactly what time it will start next year, we are not sure. But we are reviewing the timing for next year's race."