Farfus enjoys 'extraordinary' F1 run

The Brazilian, who races for BMW in the World Touring Car Championship, was handed the chance as a thanks for his efforts for the German car manufacturer this year.

Speaking after his run to the official BMW Sauber website, Farfus said: "A big thank you to BMW and Mario Theissen for giving me the opportunity to have this extraordinary experience.

"At the beginning, I was obviously trying to become acquainted with the car. As I had very little time to prepare myself, I feel my neck muscles a bit more than usual. In fact, I haven't raced a single-seater car for four years - not to mention a Formula One car.

"Lap by lap the feeling for this returned. It's just amazing how quickly things happen in a Formula 1 cockpit. This requires the highest level of concentration all the time."

Christian Vietoris also tested at Valencia yesterday, completing 62 laps, as his prize for winning last year's Formula BMW World Finals.

"That was an amazing experience", said Vietoris about his run. "I have spent many years working towards the chance to drive a Formula One car. The g forces, braking effect and speed are simply phenomenal.

"This car is great fun to drive. It has certainly given me a more accurate impression of the unbelievable power and aerodynamics that are at work in Formula 1. Today's drive has made me even more determined to make it into the elite motor sport class."