Sandstorm plays havoc with Bahrain test

Having elected to go to Bahrain in search of better weather conditions, Ferrari, BMW Sauber and Toyota were instead left frustrated by a sandstorm which severely limited running on the second day of Formula One testing in the Middle East.

The day started in perfect conditions but less than two hours of running was possible before increased wind saw sand blown onto the circuit.

With the conditions grounding the medical helicopter, there was little option but to bring the days running to a close, with less than 60 laps of running for the three drivers.

Massa emerged on top with a best time of 1min 33.639secs and was the only driver to dip below the 1min 34secs marker. The Brazilian had been due to run a programme similar to the one he performed on Tuesday with short runs in the morning being followed by longer runs during the afternoon.

The only real plus for the Scuderia was that that the issue which had forced Massa to run without a working KERS system on Tuesday had been resolved, with the team reporting it had 'worked well' in his 17 laps on track.

Robert Kubica was second quickest for BMW Sauber and managed to complete the most laps on the day with a total of 22, while Timo Glock - pacesetter on Tuesday - was third, with the weather hitting his plan to continue aerodynamic and set-up work on the new TF109.

"That was short and sweet for us today," the German reflected. "After our positive day of running yesterday we had another full programme planned but the weather had other ideas. I could feel the strong wind during the laps that we did manage in the morning. Then the sandstorm put an end to the day's action.

"That's frustrating because the car is showing good promise so we will hope for better conditions in the coming days."

Testing is due to continue tomorrow [Thursday].

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