Liuzzi hails 'amazing' slick tyres

The Force India test driver was working with a 2009 aero configuration, with a lot less downforce in his car, but with the new slicks introduced by Bridgestone for this test.

Liuzzi, who did not try the slicks in their first test at Jerez, said he was amazed by their performance.

"It's been amazing, because I didn't expect the tyre to be so strong," Liuzzi told autosport.com at Barcelona.

"I think they brought a softer compound compared to what they used in the previous test and they are amazing for the first two laps.

"We were running with the 2009 configuration with a lot less downforce. I think it's 40% (less downforce). We took away floor, sidepods, bodywork, everything."

Liuzzi had last driven on slicks back in 2004, when he was racing in F3000.

The Italian said running with the current grooved tyres and 2009 downforce levels was almost impossible.

"When we drove with the grooved tyres it was impossible," he said. "But with the slick tyres we made really good progress.

"But they are a bit too soft because after three laps they were gone and it was really difficult to drive.

"It was a really good feeling. With so much grip it was like going back to go-karts. I enjoyed it."