Stoddart impressed as Legge shines.

After her initial test yesterday [Tuesday] was brought to an early end, Katherine Legge showed her potential at the wheel of a Formula One car as the last ever Minardi test moved into its third day.

With failing light and falling temperatures forcing the team to postpone Legge's test to Wednesday, the 25-year-old joined regular test driver Chanoch Nissany and Uruguayan Juan Caceres for the third day and - free from the prying eyes which had accompanied her F1 debut - completed 27 trouble free laps of the Vallelunga circuit near Rome.

After starting her scheduled runs on intermediate tyres due to the cold and damp conditions, the team's engineers switched Legge's car onto dry tyres as the temperature rose and track conditions improved - the British driver putting the disappointment of her off on Tuesday firmly in the past as she set a best time of 1min 21.176secs, just behind Caceres who added another ten laps to the 20 he completed on Tuesday.

"First of all, I want to say thank you to Paul Stoddart and all the guys at Minardi for their unstinting support over the last two days," Legge said afterwards. "It has been a fantastic experience, and they have been just absolutely great the whole time.

"As for the test, I expected the unexpected, and that's what I got. It was certainly a lot easier today than yesterday, mainly because I was left alone to focus on what I had to do. I did the best job I could, and bearing in mind my relative lack of experience, I'm very pleased with the result. The trouble is, I can't wait to get back in an F1 car again now!"

Team owner Paul Stoddart admitted he was impressed with Legge's performance - and that of fellow F1 newcomer Caceres - as the team prepares for its final day on track tomorrow, when Stoddart himself will bring 21 years of Minardi in Formula One to a close when he joins Nissany on track.

"On the third day of Minardi's last test, it was pleasing to see Katherine complete her test and set one of the fastest times of the past three days, proving that she's definitely got what it takes to be a Formula One driver," he said. "Chanoch Nissany, our regular tester, steadily improved throughout the day, and young charger, Juan Caceres, also completed his test with some very impressive times.

"We now look forward to a slightly bittersweet day tomorrow, when Minardi will complete its final outing."

Testing times - Vallelunga (day three):

1. Juan CaceresMinardi-Cosworth 1min 21.019secs
2. Katherine LeggeMinardi-Cosworth 1min 21.176secs
3. Chanoch NissanyMinardi-Cosworth 1min 24.65secs

All times unofficial - courtesy Minardi