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Bahrain sand worrying Schumacher



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LONDON, England (Reuters) -- World champion Michael Schumacher fears sand could play havoc with Sunday's Bahrain Grand Prix despite efforts to glue down the desert.

"The big question mark in Bahrain is the sand," the Ferrari driver, winner of both this season's races, told his website before F1's first grand prix in the Middle East.

Track workers have covered the fine coral sand around the Sakhir circuit with a special glue to try to ensure it does not cause problems.

"Everyone's wondering what effect it will have, whether the sand will get into the works or not," added Schumacher.

However most teams doubt efforts to control the sand will eliminate the problem.

"We are anticipating drifting sand, both on and off the track, in Bahrain," said BMW motorsport director Mario Theissen, engine partner to title challengers Williams.

"This will not only limit the level of grip on the track but, in terms of the engine, the air filter will play a more crucial role as it will have to prevent sand from getting into the engine through the air inlets and causing damage."

BAR's Briton Jenson Button, who celebrated his first podium finish with a third place at the last race in Malaysia, agreed. "The sand will worry us more than the heat," he said.

"There will be sand all over the circuit and it could damage the engine."

Bahrain marks a step into the unknown for all the teams as the first new circuit visited by F1 since the Malaysian Grand Prix made its debut in 1999.


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