Sergio Perez tests for Ferrari for first time in 2009 car

The test formed part of the Ferrari Driver Academy programme, of which Perez is a member, with the Italian outfit eager to help develop the next wave of young drivers that are coming into the sport.

Perez had two days of running in Ferrari's simulator at Maranello before completing 46 laps of Fiorano - with his best time being 1m00.650s.

"This was a really special day for me," said the Perez. "I want to thank Ferrari for giving me this chance to improve and learn, given the limited number of testing opportunities during the year. Driving a Ferrari was a dream for me and it's also important for my career, learning with a team like this and experiencing a different approach to the work."

With Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali having complimented Perez earlier this week, there is increasing speculation that the Mexican is on the shortlist of drivers to eventually replace Felipe Massa.

Speaking about a possible future at Ferrari, Perez said: "I think there is room for me to do well where I am and that's my current target. It's impossible to say how things will go.

"My dream is to become world champion and it would be nice if it could happen with a team like this one. I have got a lot out of this time with the Ferrari Driver Academy. The work on the simulator and the meetings with the engineers are all things that will help me over the rest of the season and in general in the future."

Ferrari also gave Jules Bianchi a run in the F60, with his best effort after 70 laps being 1m00.213s - although he was on a different testing programme to Perez.

"We did a lot of laps and once again it was a very useful experience for me," said Bianchi. "These laps all count a lot towards the future I'd like to have in Formula 1.

"Now, I'm looking forward to the young driver test in Abu Dhabi and it will be very interesting to go from the 2009 car to the 2011 one, as it will be a good opportunity for me to try elements like DRS and KERS for the very first time."