First practice: Montin sets early pace

The TOM'S driver was among the frontrunners for much of the session, but finally set his best lap of 2m14.510s with just one minute of the session remaining to outpace Prost Grand Prix test driver Jonathan Cochet, who is returning to Formula 3 for the Macau event.

"I am pretty happy although we had some small problems with the front of the car," said Montin. "I think it was in the front suspension, but it is not anything we cannot solve. I am feeling pretty confident and I was driving well within the real limit. But I am under no illusions that the gap between the frontrunners will be much closer when it comes to qualifying."

Cochet, driving for Signature Competition, was generally pleased with his performance but also complained of some minor problems that the team would try and fix before Thursday afternoon's first qualifying session.

"I had some small problems with the brakes, I am not sure if it was the car or the circuit," said the Frenchman. "But this is just the start of the weekend so I am happy. I am just really glad to be here in Macau after what has been a disappointing season for me."

Pre-event favourite Takuma Sato, who has been the centre of much attention in Macau after deciding to race in the event despite signing a Formula 1 contract with Jordan, was pleased with his performance as he set the third quickest time. "There were no problems and I am happy," said the Japanese.

German Pierre Kaffer, who won the qualifying heat at Macau last year, was fourth quickest after setting his quickest lap in the closing stages, with Portugal's Tiago Monteiro fifth fastest. Japan's Yuji Ide was sixth quickest ahead of fellow countryman and German F3 champion Toshihiro Kaneishi.

The session took place without any incident as all the drivers successfully brought their cars back to the pits in one piece.