Minardi tests Russian at Fiorano

The duo became the first to sample Fiorano in a Formula 1 car since the circuit was resurfaced. They shared a year-old PS01 chassis powered by a European V10 engine, Zlobin completing 55 laps and Bobbi 25.

It was the first taste of F1 for Zlobin, who races in the Euro Formula 3000 series. His best lap was a 1m09.464s, compared to Bobbi's 1m08.148s. Michael Schumacher's Fiorano lap record stands at 58.620s.

"I will admit that I was a little worried before the test that things might not turn out as well as they did," said Zlobin. "The Minardi PS01 is very different from the F3000 car I normally drive, but in the end the day turned out really well.

"I had hoped to drive in the wet, as I really like such conditions, but the rain only came right at the end of the day, so there was no opportunity. I am now looking forward to the next test, at Mugello, later this month."

Formula Nissan racer Bobbi was on hand to provide a benchmark for the inexperienced Zlobin.

Former team boss Giancarlo Minardi, who now looks after young driver development for the outfit, said: "This has been a good day for Sergey. He has driven well for the first time in an F1 car, but it has not been possible for him to perform to the maximum because of the new track surface here at Fiorano.

"We will continue working with him when we test again, at Mugello, on September 18. Matteo has done his usual solid driving job, assisting the engineers with their work."