Sauber happy with Massa in first F1 test

Massa, the Euro Formula 3000 series champion, completed more than 100 laps of the Italian circuit and set a best time of 1m23.79s in his Ferrari-powered C20, leaving technical director Willy Rampf impressed by his efforts.

"It was a pleasure to work with him," said Rampf. "He was very focussed and we were pleased that he did not fall into the trap that is common with inexperienced drivers of trying to run too long on each outing. His times came down very nicely.

"Felipe had a steep learning curve to climb during the test, but his confidence led us to ask him to contribute this afternoon to our preparation programme for next week's US GP."

Massa had been handed the Sauber test as the team searches for a replacement for Kimi Raikkonen, who switches to the McLaren team next year. Team boss Peter Sauber is known to be interested in the youngster and Massa said he already feels comfortable with the team.

"I am happy with the way I've been welcomed by the entire team," said Massa. "I felt very at home, even though I had never met anyone from the team.

"I have a lot to learn about F1 and the C20, but I liked the speed and I've been getting used to it. Even a painful neck I had yesterday vanished as the session went on. And today I have improved on the high-speed corners and in the esses as well."

Team regular Nick Heidfeld is taking over for the remaining two days of running as the Hinwill-based squad is loathe to let McLaren-bound Raikkonen help with any work on development parts.

Luca Badoer was again in action on Ferrari's second day of testing at Fiorano. The Italian, working on electronics testing and developing components for next year's car, completed 123 laps with a best time of 59.45s. The Fiorano test continues on Thursday.

Williams-BMW tested Antonio Pizzonia for the first time on Wednesday, as the team started a three-day test at Estoril in Portugal. Fellow Brazilian Ricardo Sperafico will get behind the wheel of the FW23 on Thursday in what is thought to be a shoot-out to land a second test driver's seat alongside Marc Gene at the team next year. Williams has decided not to release any times until the test's completion on Friday.