Yoong on the pace at Mugello.

The times came tumbling down today for Alexander Yoong as the Malaysian launched into the second day of a two-day test with the European Minardi F1 team at Mugello.

After an initial period of acclimatisation, the young Malaysian driver was on the pace from the outset of today's session and, watched by the Minister of Youth and Sports for Malaysia, YB Dato' Hishammuddin Tun Hussein, and representatives of sponsor, Magnum, he drove a total of 77 laps and recorded a fastest lap of 1 min 27.903 secs while working through a technical programme aimed at optimising the performance of the latest European Minardi PS01B chassis ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix.

Specifically, Yoong and his engineers spent much of the time checking aerodynamic downforce levels, steering geometry and damper settings.

Dato' Hishammuddin Tun Hussein - Malaysian Minister of Youth and Sports - said: "It is pleasing to be able to see for myself how Alex is performing here at Mugello. As far as his times are concerned, as well as the relationship with European Minardi and the sponsors, everything is in place for him being able to gain his FIA Super-licence. I am now looking forward to the day when we can welcome the first Malaysian driver to Formula One."

Lim Teong Leong - Executive Director of the Magnum Corporation added: I'm very happy to be here at Mugello today and to see how well Alex is doing. The Magnum Corporation will do all it possibly can to support his bid to make it to Formula One, which is what all Malaysians are hoping for. I would like to say good luck to Alex and European Minardi - our country is behind you and willing you to succeed."

Yoong himself was pleased with the way the two day had gone. He said: "The main requirements at this test were to drive a Grand Prix distance, which we did, and to get down to competitive lap times, which we did - twice over. My quickest lap was good, considering the conditions. I'm pleased with how the last two days have gone, not only for myself, but also for my sponsor, Magnum,
and for Malaysia."

Minardi boss Paul Stoddart concluded: "We're very pleased with Alex's performance today. The fastest lap he set this morning shows he is getting used to how a Formula One car handles and performs. He will be doing some practice pit stops and 'aero' work during the afternoon, by which time he will have two further days of experience under his belt and will have made solid progress towards his goal of becoming the next European Minardi F1 driver."