Hughes impressed by new F3000 car

The Briton managed around 25 laps in the B2/50 during the afternoon after suffering new-car electrical gremlins in the morning. Once he got running, Hughes was pleased with what he found.

"Generally, the car is very good," he said. "It's an excellent starting point. The car is much nicer to drive than the old one in respect of better handling and the geabox, which needs much less effort."

"It feels more like I'd imagine an F1 car is like to drive," he added. "You don't have to manhandle it. An element of finesse will definitely be a benefit."

Hughes lapped a second off the best time of test pacesetter Gianmari Bruni driving the current Lola. "Ultimately the new car will be quicker, as it should be," he said.

Nordic Racing, which is helping Lola run the car, will continue testing tomorrow. "Once we've sorted a few things, we'll get started on doing some proper tyre work with the new Avons," said Hughes.

See next week's AUTOSPORT magazine for the full story of Lola's new F3000 car. For the rest of the news from Barcelona testing click here.