Snow wrecks F1 testing in Barcelona

Teams hoping to use the first Barcelona test to collect crucial data on their cars were left struggling on Wednesday as snow arrived in thick flurries at the Circuit de Catalunya to put a halt on pre-season preparations for 2018 in Formula One.

Wintry conditions in Spain have hampered teams all week, with sub-zero temperatures making it near impossible to gauge tyre performance.

And with Europe currently in the grip of an Arctic blast, it looks like some squads could be undercooked after this first week of pre-season.

It had been suggested that the test could be extended to Friday, but Williams have already booked the track for a filming day.

Team principal Claire Williams said: "I don't think everyone else supports the extension of the test."

With weather conditions expected to improve later in the week, teams will have another chance to run, when F1 returns for a second test event in Barcelona next week.

The start of #F1Testing is delayed because, well...#SnowDay ?? pic.twitter.com/9zbZ5j3LQN — Formula 1 (@F1) February 28, 2018

You’ve heard of the #Iceman, but what about the #Snowman... ??#DrivenByEachOther @F1 #SnowDay pic.twitter.com/hXt3txl0bq — Mercedes-AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) February 28, 2018