D'Ambrosio regrets lack of running

The Virgin driver suffered a suspension problem at the end of the morning session, with the wheel flailing on its tether and the Belgian ending up in the gravel during the incident.

The damage caused by the problem meant the team had to work hard to try to get the car ready in time for second practice, but the Belgian failed to get out.

"The day started well and we were able to get out on track quickly," said D'Ambrosio. "Unfortunately we had a problem with the front right suspension at the end of the morning session, and the resulting damage meant that I couldn't take part in the afternoon session.

"It's very hot but I'm coping well with the heat, and to drive a Formula One car on this track is great. I really enjoy driving here. We hope for a better day tomorrow."

Team-mate Timo Glock had a better day, the German finishing as 19th quickest well inside the 107 per cent limit.

"It's difficult to gauge everything that was going on up and down the pitlane today, but I think we had a reasonable day," he said. "It's a shame we couldn't get Jerome's car out in the second session, because it would have been good for tyre evaluation.

"In general I'm happy with how the car is working here, but it's all about the tyres; they are fine for one lap but then drop off and it's all about keeping them alive over a distance. The team did a good job. We were a little late going out in FP2 but overall everything went well. Let's see what tomorrow brings."