“The track conditions were better than yesterday,” the 22-year-old Brazilian affirmed, “although it was quite windy and that made it difficult to be consistent. This is not unusual for Silverstone, though, and it was good experience to run in these conditions as we can expect similar weather for the race.

“Our programme was based around improving the set-up of the car and general race preparation, which went well. I'm now looking forward to the race here next week.”

“We ran to programme pretty well today,” agreed the Régie's chief test engineer Christian Silk, “and like yesterday continued working on the set-up of the car in preparation for next week. We also had the opportunity to do some more tyre evaluation work in the afternoon, which all went to plan. So two solid days work of work for Nelson, and Fernando will be in the car tomorrow when we will complete the programme.”

Fifth-fastest was Sebastian Vettel in the Scuderia Toro Rosso, the Silverstone virgin enjoying a considerably more productive day than had been the case on Tuesday – a damaged floor notwithstanding – by covering 84 laps as the Faenza-based concern continues to put miles on and develop its new STR3, with front and rear suspension work, brake evaluation and steering all on the list before Sébastien Bourdais hits the track on day three.

BMW-Sauber's erstwhile world championship leader Robert Kubica was just under a second shy of the outright pace in sixth, after the Munich and Hinwil-based concern's plan for aero testing was curtailed by the morning winds and drizzle. Kubica was, however, able to successfully get through tyre evaluation before team-mate Nick Heidfeld takes over on Thursday, with mechanical and aero testing and tyre work once more on the agenda.

Seventh on the final timesheets was current F1 pace-setter Felipe Massa, albeit more than a second off the top spot in his Ferrari at the end of 69 laps of the circuit. The Brazilian conducted aero and set-up work ahead of Kimi Raikkonen's arrival on day three, although the afternoon's myriad red flags did interrupt his progress somewhat.

“The last two days have been quite positive,” the 27-year-old remarked. “We pretty much did all of what we had set out to do, and the first signs are encouraging.

“We are working in the right direction and I think we will also be competitive at this track, even if it is much too early to say where we are compared to the others. There are too many unknowns to take into consideration when it comes to testing times.”

Mark Webber wound up eighth overall, though it was far from the same sort of straightforward day that the Red Bull Racing ace had enjoyed on Tuesday. A persistent misfire eventually led to an undiagnosed electrical problem and engine change, meaning the Australian only managed to complete a scant four laps in the morning and suffered from the red flags like everyone else later on, getting through just 39 tours in total before team-mate David Coulthard takes over for the final day.

Home favourite Jenson Button completed the most laps of any driver present – 104 – en route to setting the ninth-quickest time for Honda, just over 1.4 seconds adrift of the leading pace, whilst bringing up the rear was Force India's Giancarlo Fisichella.