Bruni completes Minardi test

Bruni recorded a fastest lap of 1m09.627s on Thursday, markedly quicker than new team-mate Zsolt Baumgartner managed on Wednesday.

"I think we have had a positive test," said Bruni. "The new chassis is very good, and I'm happy with the small innovations the team is making with the Minardi PS04B. We were able to concentrate on carrying out some useful tyre comparisons as part of today's programme, and I feel happy with the time I set."

Team principal Paul Stoddart said: "It's always a pleasure to see a new car running for the first time, but it is particularly pleasing to have enjoyed two trouble-free days with the PS04B, and covered almost two race distances in the process. Reliability is something that all F1 teams will be striving for in 2004, so the indications from this test are very positive. Gimmi drove faultlessly today - as Zsolt did yesterday - and his time was very encouraging!

"With our final pre-season test of the PS04B next week at Imola, where there will be a number of other teams in attendance, we hope to continue with the progress we feel we have made so far. We will then look forward with great anticipation to Melbourne."