Minardi Test Albers, Maldonado at Misano

The Minardi team continued with their driver test and evaluation programme at the Misano circuit, working with Dutchman Christijan Albers and Venezuelan Pastor Maldonado.

19-year old Maldonado, winner of the Italian Formula Renault 2000 title in 2004, was the first man on track, making his Formula One debut in the morning at the wheel of the Cosworth-powered PS04B.

The Venezuelan completed a total of 22 laps with a best time of 1:11.330.

"I'm really impressed," he said. "This is my first time in a Formula One car, and I just didn't expect such power. This year, I have been driving a much smaller, less powerful car in Formula Renault 2000, and I have also tested an F3000 car, but the F1 car is something completely different.

"It's amazing! Personally, I'm very happy to be here today, because F1 has always been my objective, as it is the dream of all racing drivers. I think I did a good job this morning, and I feel satisfied with my work."

DTM start Albers, meanwhile, took over in the afternoon and covered 20 laps to post a best time of 1:10.800.

"I have become accustomed to Touring Cars in the DTM, and it's good to be back in a Formula One car, although they remain physically demanding to drive â€" I can feel it in my neck even now," said Albers. "The team worked really well, but as only eight out of the 20 laps I did were flying laps, there was not a lot of set-up time.

"My main aim this morning was to show the speed I am capable of and what I can do in the car. I know I could have gone quicker, but considering the number of laps, I think the time wasn't too bad."