Yoong laps it up at Mugello

The Malaysian, who is expected to replace Tarso Marques in Minardi's line up at the Belgian Grand Prix, completed 200km of running in 90 minutes.

"We accomplished the required distance this morning, but I had a problem with the new seat in my car moving around," said Yoong. "The team will try to solve the problem during the lunch break and, once I am more comfortable in the car, we should be able to get down to some quicker lap times.

"This morning's run was the first time I have had a chance to try F1-style pit stops. They require a lot of concentration, but I really enjoyed it," he added.

European Minardi F1's team manager Tony Lees said: "He has done everything we asked of him this morning and the team remains impressed by Alex's very mature approach and his informative feedback. The test will continue this afternoon with the focus being on trying several new approaches to chassis set-up."

Yoong's progress in the test will be vital in his quest to gain an F1 Super-Licence, which all F1 drivers require to compete in Grands Prix.