Piccini covers race distance for Minardi.

Up-and-coming Italian driver Andrea Piccini successfully completed two days of intensive testing with the European Minardi F1 team at the picturesque Mugello circuit today [Thursday].

The aims of the test were to check new software and aerodynamic developments on the team's PS01 chassis, while providing Piccini with an opportunity to acclimatise to the demands of a current grand prix car.

The 22-year-old, who this season drives for European Minardi in the FIA International F3000 Championship, acquitted himself well, covering a grand prix distance of 65 laps in the course of the two days, and recording a fastest lap of 1min 31.2secs.

"It has been a wonderful experience," commented Piccini, with obvious pleasure at the conclusion of his first Formula One test, "I started slowly yesterday and gradually played myself in. It has been quiet here, which has been good since I have been able to work at my own pace.

"I am pleased with my best lap of 1min 31.2secs, although I think a lap of 1min 30.5secs would have been possible. Where I was losing out a bit was on some of the quicker parts of the circuit, where the F1 car's downforce really came into play. It was also very hot this afternoon and track conditions were such that it was virtually impossible to improve lap times.

"The car was great, particularly the gearbox and brakes. It feels quite different from my F3000 chassis, which has much heavier steering at lower speeds. As speed and downforce builds in the F1 car, though, the steering becomes heavier than the F3000
and, as a result, fast corners require more physical effort. I had been warned to expect a few problems with my neck, but it's perfect. If anything, I need to develop a little more strength in my arms - the steering column in the Formula One car is mounted
higher than in the F3000, and therefore puts demands on different muscles.

"In any event, I'm happy and feel pleased that I have been able to help the team. It has definitely been a good start."

European Minardi F1 general director, Gian Carlo Minardi, was also pleased with his protege's achievement over the two days, and commented on his performance.

"Andrea's very first approach with the F1 car proved favourable," Minardi said, "He carried out a test programme prepared by the engineers without making any mistakes, and showed a good knowledge of the car. He completed a total of 65 laps over this two-day test and will definitely have a further opportunity to prove his capabilities at the wheel of the PS01 when we carry out further tests in the future."

Also present at the test was Malaysian Alex Yoong, who was due to receive his first taste of Formula One power at the wheel of the PS01. Yoong, currently competing in the FNippon series in Japan, is being touted as a possible replacement for Tarso Marques and had a seat fitting at the Faenza factory on Wednesday. He was due at Mugello to observe Piccini's test and get acclimatised to the car before hitting the track.