How probable would it be that the A330 had a "minor" techical fault, spotted on the ground in GIG, before the aircraft left for CDG, but after pressure put by AF ops on the captain, insisted he returned to CDG to have it sorted there? And then, a lightening strike or adverse weather conditions made the problem worse...?
Does AF have engineers at Rio or would they have had to fly someone out, thus delaying the arrival of the Aircraft in Paris, which most probably was going to fly somewhere else after?
Is AirFrance Ops worrying now that this could leak out and are wondering who to point the finger at?