The grim weather had already seen off Ferrari, who took the forecast so seriously last weekend they decided to relocate to their regular test circuit in Maranello, away from the prying eyes of their rivals.

BBC: F1 teams face testing times

Test driver Pedro de la Rosa will give the McLaren its debut in a private test at Portugal's Algarve circuit on Saturday - the first of a series of critical tests before the start of the new season in Melbourne, Australia on 29 March.

BBC: Hamilton eyeing second title bid

The car made its debut at Portugal's Portimao circuit, but Alonso will not test it until later in the week.

BBC: Alonso upbeat over Renault hopes

He also tested for Toro Rosso at Jerez in September and will return to the circuit as the teams undertake the penultimate test of the year.

BBC: Sato to test for Toro Rosso again

Villeneuve, the Formula One champion in 1997, has been at the Paul Ricard circuit this week, and reports said that he was there to test for Williams.

BBC: SPORT | Motorsport | Formula One | Williams cool on Villeneuve