Lola-Dome tops Oulton test

Watts' best time of 1m28.014s in the Promatecme-run, Mugen-powered car was just over a tenth clear of Fairuz Fauzy's quickest lap in his Menu-run Dallara-Opel. The Dome was running a new specification front wing and modified bodywork package since its last test, and the chassis has also topped the latest two tests for the Japanese series.

"It was all very positive, easy and predictable," said Watts. "The car was absolutely fantastic in the high-speed corners in particular. It was also super responsive to all the changes that we made. We were very strong throughout the test and when we put a set of new tyres on it felt like it was on rails out there and I was able to find big chunks of time right up until the end. I must say that aerodynamically it is a very impressive chassis to drive."

Lola's F3 project engineer, Adam Airey, said: "It was an extremely positive test for us. We learnt about the new parts that we have developed over the winter and we really tapped in to the huge potential that we know is within the car. We still have more time to come that's for sure and there are still a lot of things yet for us to try."

Behind the impressive Malaysian driver Fauzy, Brazilian youngster Danilo Dirani was third fastest overall in his Carlin-run Dallara-Mugen, head of James Rossiter (Fortec Dallara-Opel), Alvaro Parente and Clivio Piccione (both Carlin). Pre-season title favourite Nelson Piquet Jr was only 10th fastest in his Dallara-Mugen.