Fresh from his stint in London's Hyde Park, BMW driver Jacques Villeneuve was the pacesetter at another park, this one being the Autodromo Nazionale, which is located in the Parco di Monza.

The Canadian started with set-up work and a few runs to evaluate aero configurations as well as engine cooling. He also carried out a number of evaluations relating to downforce level which were recorded for the race in Montreal. In the afternoon the Canadian concentrated on tyre evaluation for the US Grand Prix.

Nick Heidfeld started a tyre testing programme in the morning during which he tested different compounds for Indianapolis. During the first half of the day he concentrated on performance evaluation, whilst consistency was the focus for the afternoon.

Just before lunchtime the German stopped on the track due to a mechanical failure, which was fixed during the break. He then also did some practice starts and evaluation of electronic systems.

A further item on the team's 'to do' list is some work on the car's front axle. Nick started on that today, and Jacques will continue with it it tomorrow. The Canadian was the busiest driver today completing 126 laps.

On Thursday, Jacques and Robert Kubica will share driving duties. Jacques will continue running on a medium downforce configuration as will be required in Montreal and Indianapolis. Meanwhile, Robert will run in Monza configuration at a lower downforce level and start some analytical work for the Italian GP in September.

Second quickest was Nico Rosberg, who was partnered by Alexander Wurz.

"We tested several different geometries on the front suspension to start with and later on we undertook some tests of different front tyre constructions on Nico's car," said Mike Condliffe. "In the afternoon we made several setup comparisons on Nico's car, while Alex started on rear tyre construction analysis in the morning and completed work on rear wing comparisons in the afternoon, together with some tests of modified exhausts."

The Renault duo of Fisichella and Kovalainen, could only manage fourth and fifth quickest today, as the French outfit continued its preparations for the North American campaign.

Giancarlo Fisichella firstly worked on set up changes and RS26 engine development. He then focused on tyre testing for Indianapolis. At the end of the session, Fisichella set the fourth-fastest lap time and seemed to be pleased with his progress today.

On the other side of the garage, Heikki Kovalainen almost followed the same programme as his teammate. After having worked on tyre performance yesterday he focused on tyre wear today with a number of long runs in the afternoon. His results complement the data recorded yesterday.

"We once again completed a significant test programme today ahead of the forthcoming races," said Christian Silk. "Giancarlo worked on control systems development for circuits like Monza, and continued set-up testing for Canada. Heikki once again worked on acclimatising himself to the circuit, and then focused on long-runs for tyre development in the afternoon. Overall, the results have been very encouraging, with another productive day."

Jenson Button replaced James Rossiter in the second Honda today, joining Anthony Davidson.

Davidson completed a comprehensive aero programme in preparation for the Canadian and US Grands Prix, and finished the morning session with some chassis set-up work. A perfect morning, completing 57 laps with no problems. Jenson worked on further aerodynamic developments throughout the session, completing 47 laps.

By the afternoon the ambient temperature had reached 36 degrees, with the track temperature soaring to 54 degrees. Both drivers completed tyre programmes in preparation for Indianapolis. Anthony's lap tally for the day was 120 laps while Jenson covered 117 laps despite suffering an engine failure late in the afternoon.

Rubens Barrichello joins the test tomorrow alongside Jenson, both focusing on set-up work with the medium downforce configuration.

Ninth quickest was Toro Rosso driver Scott Speed, while 'sister' team Red Bull had David Coulthard and Robert Doornbos on duty. Unfortunately, the Dutchman withdrew from the test after just ten laps, complaining of a stomach bug which is believed to be food poisoning, his place was taken by Tonio Liuzzi, who will drive the Toro Rosso tomorrow.

Jarno Trulli and Ralf Schumacher were in action for Toyota, both drivers over 1.6s off the pace, with the Italian being the cause of two red flag periods, one of them following a mechanical failure.