Kovalainen sets sights on Toro Rosso

The Finn was the best of the 'new team class' in both practice sessions today, and got within 0.7 seconds of STR in the afternoon. He pledged to push all-out to close that gap on Saturday.

"I think the team did a really good job today, improving the balance and keeping us going in the right direction all the time," said Kovalainen.

"The low downforce package seems to be working really well, which is very encouraging, and again, we're not far away from the Toro Rossos. Maybe tomorrow in qualifying, I'll be able to have a go at challenging them, and see what happens.

"We're going to focus on keeping the rear of the car under control, and I think we are getting there with that, so, from my side of the garage, things are working out really well."

But while Kovalainen was having a successful day, his team-mate Jarno Trulli's car was plagued by electrical problems.

"It's been a difficult day but I'll move on from this and I still feel positive - after all, this is still our first season, and we're only eight races in," said Trulli. "I had a few laps, but not enough to get a set-up I felt comfortable with."