“Towards the end I was feeling much more comfortable,” he explained. “Before that I had badly worn front tyres, so I was really struggling to find the right grip and balance, but with the last set I could actually work the tyres properly, as they were in a decent condition when I started with them.

“Then I was able to push harder and harder every lap and find the time. Eventually I made some mistakes because I was trying to find the limit – but I think, as it was the first time I was driving the car, it was pretty decent.

“It's been two months since I drove a single-seater or any race car, so the first time out was a bit overwhelming with all these functions and all the power. I didn't know what grip level to expect. I tried to take all that on-board as quickly as I could.

“[I was satisfied], because you cannot expect a driver who is completely new to a Formula 1 car to deliver a magical lap time. That first taste has shown what I need and now we can work on that.

“It is my first test so there is still a long way to go, but if I could be successful in Formula 1 it would be very special for me. This in my own career; I am doing my own job. Nobody expects me to be Ayrton – I am Bruno. That's how I see it.”