Monza test, final day: Ferrari quickest

Massa worked on set-ups for Canada, while Sato combined tyre testing with launch and traction control work. The young Japanese also readied a new engine for the Canadian GP. He ran the car according to his set-up preferences and appeared to be psyching himself up for a possible appearance in Canada, in place of the injured Jenson Button.

"I was very pleased with the car today - keeping up with Ferrari," he said. "I am just getting myself ready for whatever may come."

Sato is one of the drivers who still has problems with the Head and Neck Safety device (HANS), and was wearing a lot of padding over his collarbone.

De la Rosa felt he had run out of time, fine-tuning set-up work for Canada, but was sure the car would be quick in any case. Marc Gene, who broke Juan Pablo Montoya's lap record around Monza yesterday (with a 1m22.632s), did not have such a good day and needed an engine replacement halfway through.

Anthony Davidson looked a little bored as he pounded round on tyre testing duty, while both Nick Heidfeld and slowest man on the day, Olivier Panis, finished set-up work for Montreal.

The next rounds of testing take place primarily at Jerez and Silverstone, the week after the Canadian Grand Prix.

Felipe Massa Ferrari B 1m22.854s 69
Takuma Sato BAR-Honda M 1m22.933 88
Pedro de la Rosa McLaren-Mercedes M 1m22.939 69
Marc Gene Williams-BMW M 1m22.796s 59
Anthony Davidson BAR-Honda B 1m23.449s 87
Nick Heidfeld Sauber-Petronas B 1m23.481s 79
Olivier Panis Toyota M 1m24.048s 49

B = Bridgestone
M = Michelin

Luca Badoer was also in action for Ferrari today, at the Fiorano circuit in Italy, he covered a total of 21 laps and set a best time of 57.579s.