Legge completes Minardi test

The 25-year-old, who crashed on her F1 debut yesterday, was on track from mid-morning and enjoyed a much more productive day, completing 27 laps with a best time of 1:21.176.

"First of all, I want to say thank you to Paul Stoddart and all the guys at Minardi for their unstinting support over the last two days," she said. "It has been a fantastic experience, and they have been just absolutely great the whole time.

"As for the test, I expected the unexpected, and that's what I got. It was certainly a lot easier today than yesterday, mainly because I was left alone to focus on what I had to do.

"I did the best job I could, and bearing in mind my relative lack of experience, I'm very pleased with the result. The trouble is, I can't wait to get back in an F1 car again now!"

Sharing the track with Legge were Minardi tester Chanoch Nissany and young Uruguayan driver Juan Caceres.

Caceres was the fastest of the three with a best time of 1:21.019 after only 10 laps. Nissany completed 50 laps, the quickest being in 1:24.650.

"On the third day of Minardi's last test, at Vallelunga, it was pleasing to see Katherine complete her test and set one of the fastest times of the past three days, proving that she's definitely got what it takes to be a Formula One driver," said Minardi boss Paul Stoddart.

"Chanoch Nissany, our regular tester, steadily improved throughout the day, and young charger, Juan Caceres, also completed his test with some very impressive times.

"At the same time, the F1x2 programme provided a group of 30 lucky passengers with the experience of a lifetime, Christijan Albers and Patrick Friesacher handling the driving duties today. We now look forward to a slightly bittersweet day tomorrow, when Minardi will complete its final outing."