Yoong gets first taste of F1 pit stops.

Driving the latest-specification European Minardi PS01B chassis, Alex Yoong this morning (Thursday) kicked off a two-day Formula One test programme at the picturesque Mugello circuit, near Florence, by successfully completing 200 km (41 laps) of running in 90 minutes.

The young Malaysian driver notched up two-thirds of a Grand Prix distance in three stints - two of 50 km and one of 100 km - with brief stops in between.

"We accomplished the required distance this morning, but I had a problem with the new seat in my car moving around," said Yoong. "The team will try to solve the problem during the lunch break and, once I am more comfortable in the car, we should be able to get down to some quicker lap times.

"This morning's run was the first time I have had a chance to try F1-style pit stops. They require a lot of concentration, but I really enjoyed it. I'm looking forward to getting back behind the wheel this afternoon."

Tony Lees, Team Manager, European Minardi F1, added: "This morning's session went according to plan in terms of the distance covered and the work done. Alex was not 100 per cent comfortable in the cockpit, which will undoubtedly have affected his lap times.

"He has nonetheless done everything we asked of him this morning and the team remains impressed by Alex's very mature approach and his informative feedback. The test will continue this afternoon with the focus being on trying several new approaches to chassis set-up."

After modifications are made to improve Yoong's comfort in the cockpit, he is scheduled to do another 30 laps while assisting European Minardi F1 engineers to evaluate new chassis developments.

At the conclusion of his first day of testing, Yoong will therefore have completed in excess of a Grand Prix distance.