Gusty conditions are expected for race day on Sunday which could cause some sand to spin up, not to mention how high winds effect these cars anyway. We saw these teams experience a sand storm earlier in the month and could very well see some similar conditions Sunday. Even just some excess sand on the track is enough to seriously impact the grip of the tires to the track as well as the drivers' visibility.
We are all hoping for a safe and exciting race here, but these drivers are going to be amply challenged for their first race of the season.
Celsius graphic below...