Wilson runs new engine

Using the new 450hp engine, the Briton set a best lap of 1m25.553s, over a second faster than cars powered with the current 415hp engine.

"The car is much nicer to drive, a lot smoother, with more power throughout the straight," said Wilson. "It's a pity because the track conditions had been awful: no grip, lots of dirt out of the line due to the heavy storms, and a strong headwind. I'm quite sure we could do a lot better."

At the Interlagos test day Nelson Piquet Junior had his first drive in one of the series 2002 Dallara-Nissan cars. The young Brazilian enjoyed the experience. "This car is amazing," he said. "At the beginning I was a little scared because of the speed. The car has got twice the power of a Formula 3 car. I think that it's a little bit too early to move to a category like this."

Piquet Jr's father, Nelson Piquet, was present at the test to watch his son, and was impressed with the series. "I follow this category with a lot of interest," he said. "The car is like a Formula 1 car and the engine is very robust. This category is highly recommended for talented drivers. It's a driver's championship. Really cool."

Justin Wilson Racing Engineering 1m25.553s*
Ricardo Sperafico Vergani Racing 1m26.841s
Paul Edwards KTR 1m26.883s
Ricardo Mauricio Racing Engineering 1m26.841s
Nelson Piquet Jr Repsol-Meycom 1m27.067s
Joao Paulo De Olivera KTR 1m27.156s
Angelo Serafim Zele Motorsport 1m27.319s
Carlos Pereira RC Motorsport 1m27.423s
Cesar Campanico Gd Racing 1m27.712s
Rafael Sperafico Repsol-Meycom 1m28.804s
Hoover Orsi Tata RC Motorsport 1m28.844s
Rodrigo Ribeiro RC Motorsport 1m29.585s
Milka Duno Vergani Racing 1m29.644s
Marcello Thomaz Zele Motorsport 1m29.746s
Pedro Lamy Racing Engineering 1m31.068s
Ricardo Gonzalez Zele Motorsport 1m31.968s

* Running 2003 engine