Sandstorm keeps teams off track

Ferrari, Toyota and BMW Sauber were again left kicking their heels as another sandstorm blighted the latest day of testing in Bahrain.

The three teams barely managed 50 laps between them on Wednesday prior to the storm hitting the Sakhir circuit, crucially grounding the medical helicopter.

However, Thursday was far worse as Kimi Raikkonen, Jarno Trulli and Robert Kubica each only managed an installation lap prior to the weather again throwing a spanner in the works.

For veteran Trulli, whose previous outing behind the wheel of the new Toyota was blighted by rain, the frustration is growing as he has yet to fully test the car.

"I've never seen a sandstorm in the desert before so it was a new experience for me," remarked Trulli.

"It's obviously a pity we have been stuck in the pits.

"I went out for one installation lap in the morning and the track was covered in dust.

"My first test in Portugal was also heavily disrupted by the cold and the rain, so I'm itching to have a real run in the car.

"Hopefully on Friday we will be able to do more work."