Turkish GP organisers pay their part of fine.

The organisers of the Turkish Grand Prix have paid their half of a fine imposed on them after a podium violation earlier this season.

"In regard to the US$5 million fine against the National Sporting Authority of Turkey (TOSFED) and the Organisers of the Turkish Grand Prix (MSO), a US$2.5 million payment from MSO has been unanimously accepted," read a statement from the FIA, following the latest meeting of the World Motor Sport Council.

"This removes MSO's liability. The remaining monies are still owed by TOSFED."

TOSFED meanwhile have appealed against the fine imposed on them and that hearing will be held next month in Paris on November 7.

The MSO and TOSFED were originally handed the fine after the FIA ruled that they were guilty for breaking the international sporting code and F1 regulations, after allowing Turkish Cypriot leader, Mehmet Al Talat, the 'President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus', to present the winners trophy to Felipe Massa. The FIA was not impressed as they felt this compromised their political neutrality.

Cyprus has been divided since the mid-1970s after Turkish troops invaded the island. Only Turkey recognises the 'north'.