Legge makes F1 debut with Minardi

The 25-year old, the first woman to try out a Formula One car since American Sarah Fisher drove a handful of demonstration laps with McLaren at Indianapolis in 2002, took to the Vallelunga track in the afternoon and completed a few installation laps.

Legge's day, however, was cut short after she lost control of her car on her second full lap and made contact with the wall.

The Briton is looking forward to a better day tomorrow.

"It's unlike anything I've ever driven before," Legge told autosport.com. "I'm fine. It was just a mistake on my part. I'm understanding the traction control and how it works all the time.

"I'm just understanding how an F1 car works. I'm fine and it will be a good day tomorrow."

The test was a pre-existing arrangement between Stoddart and ChampCar boss and Cosworth co-owner Kevin Kalkhoven before the sale to Red Bull was agreed.

It is also Minardi's last outing before the name finally vanishes from Formula One after 21 years largely spent struggling among the backmarkers. Red Bull have renamed the team Squadra Toro Rosso.

Spaniard Roldan Rodriguez, Uruguayan Juan Caceres and two young Italians - Luca Filippi and Davide Rigon - are participating in the test.