British driver, Katherine Legge today successfully completed a 27-lap test for the Minardi F1 Team at the Autodromo Vallelunga.

The 25-year-old was on track from mid-morning on Wednesday, and after commencing her scheduled runs on intermediate tyres in deference to the cold and damp conditions, the team's engineers switched her car onto dry tyres as the temperature rose and track conditions improved. It was then she strung together a series of impressively quick, consistent laps, culminating in a best time of 1 min 21.176 secs around the 4.11-km circuit that nestles in the hills above Rome. Sharing the track with Legge in the course of Wednesday were Minardi tester, Chanoch Nissany, and young Uruguayan driver, Juan Caceres. In addition, the Minardi F1x2 cars were again in action, Patrick Friesacher and Christijan Albers taking a total of 20 VIP guests for high-speed runs around the Roman circuit.

Katherine Legge: "First of all, I want to say thank you to Paul Stoddart and all the guys at Minardi for their unstinting support over the last two days. It has been a fantastic experience, and they have been just absolutely great the whole time. As for the test, I expected the unexpected, and that's what I got. It was certainly a lot easier today than yesterday, mainly because I was left alone to focus on what I had to do. I did the best job I could, and bearing in mind my relative lack of experience, I'm very pleased with the result. The trouble is, I can't wait to get back in an F1 car again now!"

Chanoch Nissany: “It's definitely been a good day. I was able to improve a lot in the course of the morning and afternoon sessions, and the track was in good condition for most of the day. I have had the honour to drive at Minardi's final test, and now I look forward to taking part in the last day tomorrow, with Paul Stoddart. I feel a historic moment approaching.”

Paul Stoddart: "On the third day of Minardi's last test, at Vallelunga, it was pleasing to see Katherine complete her test and set one of the fastest times of the past three days, proving that she's definitely got what it takes to be a Formula One driver.

"Chanoch Nissany, our regular tester, steadily improved throughout the day, and young charger, Juan Caceres, also completed his test with some very impressive times. At the same time, the F1x2 programme provided a group of 30 lucky passengers with the experience of a lifetime, Christijan Albers and Patrick Friesacher handling the driving duties today. We now look forward to a slightly bittersweet day tomorrow, when Minardi will complete its final outing."

Today's Times

Name	Team	T	Laps	Time	Gap

Caceres	Minardi	B	10	1:21.019	112.787 mph
Legge	Minardi	B	27	1:21.176	0.157
Nissany	Minardi	B	50	1:24.650	3.631

Best Times To Date

Date	Driver	Team	T	Time	Gap
23-Nov	Caceres	Minardi	B	1:21.02	112.787 mph
21-Nov	Filippi	Minardi	B	1:21.09	0.070
23-Nov	Legge	Minardi	B	1:21.17	0.150
22-Nov	Rigon	Minardi	B	1:22.57	1.550
21-Nov	Rodriguez	Minardi	B	1:23.14	2.120
23-Nov	Nissany	Minardi	B	1:24.65	3.630