The subject of a DRS zone in the new section of track, where a longer straight has temporarily replaced four corners, first emerged in the summer.
The matter was complicated by a kink early in the straight, the crown on the road, and the bumpy nature of the circuit, all factors that meant adding a DRS zone was not an automatic decision.
In June, the FIA asked teams for their feedback from simulations. The problem was that at that point they were focusing on the upcoming July races and those immediately after the summer break, and Singapore wasn't necessarily a priority for sim departments.
Sources say that three teams said no to the new zone, two were neutral or had no firm opinion, and five didn't reply, and thus it was decided not to proceed with the extra zone.
However, when race drivers began to sample the new section of track on team simulators in the build-up to the Singapore GP, many of them questioned why there was no DRS zone, sentiments they expressed on arrival at the track.
In the wake of the growing debate, the subject was discussed at the team managers' meeting early on Friday.
The FIA then asked for a vote of teams, despite the logistical issues related to adding a zone at the last minute, such as reprogramming car ECUs and resurveying and adding a loop to the track.
Unanimity was required for a change, but four teams responded by saying that they didn't want the extra zone.
Source: Autosport