Andretti makes promising F1 debut

Andretti, son of CART champion Michael Andretti and grandson of Formula One champion Mario Andretti, was handed the opportunity to test a Formula One car by Honda, in recognition of the 19-year-old's achievements this year in the IndyCar IRL series.

Running short stints in the morning session to acclimatise himself with the complex controls of a Formula One car, Andretti completed 32 laps before lunchtime, then running an additional 35 laps in the afternoon.

The American ended the day with a best time of 1:21.888 - two seconds slower than Honda's test driver Christian Klien, and the team's sporting director Gil de Ferran said Andretti had done enough to impress the Japanese squad.

"It's been great to have Marco with the team and in the car today," the Brazilian said. "He did a good job and acclimatised himself well to the unfamiliar surroundings in the very short time that a one-day test provides.

"Marco looked comfortable straightaway with the car and the track, and overall it was a good first experience in a Formula One car."

Young Andretti himself was overjoyed by the end of the day, stating: "I couldn't have had more fun today, and it's a shame that it was only a day!

"It took me a little while to get used to the traction control and the brakes, but once I got to grips with them, the times were more and more consistent.

"I would like to say a big thank you to the Honda Racing F1 Team on how professional and welcoming they have been this week, and I'm sure that they will have a good season next year."