The drivers were tentative early and it was over 30 minutes before anyone even attempted to put a time on the board.

Tricky conditions caught out the best of drivers with Juan Pablo Montoya, Jacques Villeneuve and Giancarlo Fisichella amongst the names that spent time on the grass.

David Coulthard was the brave soul who posted the first result and the Scot’s example saw his 19 compatriots follow.

After a furious final 15 minutes, where each man attempted to complete as many miles as possible, it was once again Kimi Raikkonen who emerged the victor.

The Finn’s time of 1:48.125 was enough to put him four tenths ahead of his teammate Juan Pablo Montoya in yet another McLaren one-two finish.

However bad news could soon follow for Raikkonen with strong paddock speculation suggesting he is nursing an engine problem.

There were also concerns aired over the health of Rubens Barrichello’s Ferrari.

The Brazilian was the only man not to record a time in Saturday’s first session.