Minardi continued their test programme on Wednesday with Russian driver Sergey Zlobin carrying out a one-day session at the Mugello circuit in Italy.

It followed Slobin's first taste of Formula One™ performance, when he tested a Minardi PS01 at Ferrari's Fiorano facility two weeks ago. The purpose of Wednesday's test was simply to allow Zlobin to continue to acclimatise himself to F1™.

Thick fog initially delayed proceedings, but the team was able to start running from mid-morning, once the weather had cleared. After some initial "sighting" laps, to learn the challenging Italian circuit, and a little advice from regular Minardi test driver, Matteo Bobbi, Zlobin drove for another 35 laps, steadily improving his times as the day progressed, with a best of 1.35.660.

"It is the first time I have tested at this circuit, and I soon realised how much harder it is to drive on the track surface here compared with that at Fiorano," commented Slobin afterwards.

"The tarmac there was slippery and low in grip, whereas here at Mugello, the grip level is much higher. The handling of the car is naturally much more physical in such conditions. I am very happy to have been able to test here, however, because I'm learning more about the car and how to control it in different conditions. It has been a positive day."

Of Slobin's progress managing director Gian Carlo Minardi added: "Sergey did a good job today on a track that is particularly difficult for a driver who is both new to Formula One, and has never driven here before.

"It is clear that he is progressing step by step, and right now, we are all perfectly aware that there is still a lot to be done. Sergey will now concentrate on his final races in this year's European F3000 Championship, and will be back on track with the F1 car again at Valencia, in November, after the testing ban has ended."

Minardi shared the Mugello track with Ferrari, who were carrying out test work with Luca Badoer and Luciano Burti.