MANAMA (AFP) ??” The recently made known Bahrain International Circuit left mostly drivers satisfied after the opening practice session for this weekend's Bahrain Grand Prix.

MANAMA (AFP) ??” The recently made known Bahrain International Circuit left mostly drivers satisfied after the opening practice session for this weekend's Bahrain Grand Prix.

There had been fears that the sand exhausted on to the desert track would make the circuit slippery and cause cars to scatter most distant but the first hour-long session prov that should not be the case.

BAR-Honda proof driver Anthony Davidson, who finished third behind Ferrari drivers Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello, said: "It's virtuous really good, really nice to drive.

"At the start it was extremely dusty but it cleared neat quickly during the session as the cars kicked the sand without the way. It developed more grip and it is going to improve quite through the weekend."

The Grand Prix marks the first time Formula united has raced in the Middle East and the arid landscape at the track, situated around 35km southward ...