Massa Stays on Top at Mugello - Day Three

Formula One hopeful Felipe Massa continued on Thursday showing his impressive form by topping the times for the second consecutive day at the Mugello circuit, where three teams are testing in preparation for next week's Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka.

20-year old Massa, who already set the pace at the Italian circuit on Wednesday, wrapped up a three-day session for the Sauber team, finishing more than four tenths of a second ahead of Jean Alesi in the Jordan.

"I feel that the three days worked very well," said Massa. "I would like to thank Peter Sauber for giving me the chance to have driven a Formula One car and show what I can do. This afternoon gave me my first challenge in the wet.

"I was surprised and delighted to see my lap times. Next week I should be aiming to score my sixth win out of eight races (in F3000). But even though I will be stepping down from Formula One, I know that my new experience will give me even greater confidence."

The Silverstone-based team, who will continue testing until Friday at Mugello, were joined today by F3000 champion Justin Wilson, who despite being the busiest man after completing 78 laps, could only set a time two seconds off the Frenchman's pace.

Britons Darren Manning and Anthony Davidson were again working for the British American Racing team, finishing the session in third and fourth positions respectively. The Honda-powered team will also continue testing at Mugello tomorrow.

"This test has two functions," said BAR's chief engineer Steve Farrell."Firstly we are using the good general characteristics of this track in order to complete some set up work for Japan.

"In addition, we're also giving Anthony his first full test. Although he has had a day's testing with us here on a prior occasion, this is his first real introduction to the mainstream test programme."

Today's times:

Pos Driver Team-Engine Tyres Time 1. Massa Sauber-Petronas (B) 1:25.228 2. Alesi Jordan-Honda (B) 1:25.649 3. Manning BAR-Honda (B) 1:26.112 4. Davidson BAR-Honda (B) 1:26.423 5. Wilson Jordan-Honda (B) 1:27.617 All Timing Unofficial