McNish flies on Audi return

Audi Sport UK Team Veloqx's drivers McNish, Frank Biela, Jamie Davies, Johnny Herbert, Pierre Kaffer and Guy Smith all spent time behind the wheel over the course of the test, which was held in mixed weather conditions. All six drivers posted a lap time that would have earned a front row grid position in the 2003 Petit Le Mans.

"Both cars did a race simulation lasting almost three hours during Monday which was run in cool, overcast and showery weather conditions," said Herbert. "I broke into the 1m11s [bracket], which was pleasing, but the more rewarding aspect was the consistency of pace throughout the race run by all three drivers, in changeable conditions. Both cars are evenly matched - we started the race simulation nose to tail and finished together."

Audi returnee McNish said: "I initially concentrated on getting used to driving a sportscar again compared to the characteristics of a F1 car - like right foot braking, changing up and down the gears and the extra weight. The biggest difference from the Audi R8 I drove four years ago is the FSI [petrol direct injection] engine which felt tremendous - very smooth and driveable."

McNish ultimately set the fastest time during the test, a 1m11.26s on Monday morning.