Circuit to blame for Michelin failures.

Michelin technicians were relieved to point to a minor fault with the new Bahrain International Circuit as the cause of numerous tyre failures in the two practice sessions that opened the historic first grand prix meeting in the Middle East.

Fernando Alonso, David Coulthard and Anthony Davidson all lost time in the second hour when their tyres deflated - the Scot enduring a wild ride across one of the expansive gravel traps as a result - but Michelin programme manager Pascal Vasselon was able to point to a correctable problem out on track as the cause.

"Three of our drivers suffered damaged tyres during the course of today's free practice, and we have found identical marks on all three affected tyres," he said, "They all suffered kerb impact damage prior to deflating.

"Michelin has collaborated with the FIA's technical department in order to establish what caused this damage, and an inspection of the track has revealed that two drainage hatches have become detached from their concrete bases, creating sharp ridges that damaged any tyre that crossed them.

"A temporary cure was been set up for today's remaining track activities, and a permanent solution will be in place before F1 practice resumes tomorrow morning."

The French company received something of a morale boost as Juan Montoya went second fastest on the opening day - just 0.001secs adrift of Ferrari rival Rubens Barrichello. Times were very closely matched throughout the field, and less than nine-tenths covered a top ten which featured five Michelin teams. BAR test driver Davidson was third overall and second best of the Michelin runners, just 0.037secs behind Montoya. Jaguar rookie Christian Klien was fifth overall.

As expected, track temperatures were extremely hot - more than 50 degrees at times - and there were a higher than usual number of spins during the day as drivers adjusted to a new and unfamiliar track.

"We have brought three different dry weather tyres to this event and all have been very suitable for the conditions we have encountered so far," Michelin motorsport director Pierre Dupasquier reported, "The track has evolved a great deal since cars first ran this morning and will doubtless continue to do so throughout the weekend. That is a traditional characteristic of any new venue.

"This makes a definitive tyre choice tricky, of course, because drivers and engineers need to predict the rate of evolution as accurately as possible when they make their definitive tyre choice this evening. However, I would like to congratulate the Bahraini authorities on doing a very good job here at Sakhir. This is a fine track with an interesting layout and a really good surface that offers plenty of grip."

Tyre rival Bridgestone remained cautious over whether it would have any advantage over Michelin, despite the Ferrari team topping both sessions on Friday.

"This is the first time Bridgestone tyres have run at this circuit and I have to say it was a positive and constructive start to our weekend," technical manager Hisao Suganuma said, "Our tyre choices for this race were based largely on prediction work done in conjunction with our teams, and early indications suggest these predictions were on track.

"Of course, it is still early yet and we would like to see what happens tomorrow - but Bridgestone will be competitive. We had no problems in either session with blistering or tyre failures, which, in these conditions with track temperatures over 50 degrees Celsius, is very pleasing."