Thursday February 10th, 2000

By Michele Lupini, South Africa

Williams and BAR could not have chosen a worse time to choose to test in "sunny" South Africa.

Presistent heavy rain, floods and drama reigned around Kyalami as rivers flooded, bridges cracked and broke, traffic jammed and Johannesburg generally ground to a halt again today. Low cloud prevented the rescue helicopter from even taking off to fly to its standby perch at the circuit, forcing the cancellation of today's test to the frustration of the teams.

Weather experts are hoping tomorrow (Friday) will be dry and the weekend sunny, as the teams consider staying on a couple of days after the planned Monday end to the test period. The circuit is booked for a National race day on Saturday, February 19, effectively opening up a window for the teams to test on Tuesday and Wednesday.