Sauber and Heidfeld join Ferrari at Mugello.

Nick Heidfeld had a very positive test at Mugello today [Wednesday] as Team Sauber Petronas began a three day test in preparation for the Grand Prix of Europe.

He clocked a best time of 1 minute 24.853 seconds, covering 63 laps.

Giampaolo Dall'ara - Head of Sauber's Test Team - noted: "The purpose of today's test was twofold. This morning our focus was on setting up the car mechanically and aerodynamically ready for the Nurburgring to establish baselines for further works tomorrow, and Friday when Felipe Massa will take over the driving."

"Then this afternoon, we took the opportunity to conduct a long-distance run of 300 kilometers to assess a number of performance parameters. Amongst these was an assessment of the latest specification of the Petronas V10 engine."

Nick Heidfeld added: "Today went very well and we managed to achieve everything that we set out to. The car felt very good. I am pleased with the way things went. We are in good shape to continue our mechanical and aerodynamic program tomorrow when we will also be doing further tyre testing."

Leading times (12 June) - Mugello:

1. Michael Schumacher Ferrari 1m 22.549s 78 laps*2. Nick Heidfeld Sauber-Petronas 1m 24.853s 63 laps*

* Bridgestone tyres.

Weather / Track conditions: Sunny in the morning, cloudy in the afternoon.