BMW-Sauber, finally, brought up the order with Nick Heidfeld (ninth) and Robert Kubica (eleventh) in attendance, both behind the wheel of interim machinery featuring a modified 2008 chassis with some bodywork complying with the 2009 regulations.

Like McLaren counterpart Kovalainen, Kubica tried out KERS for the first time, but the Pole saw his day come to a premature end when his car stopped halfway through testing with a mechanical problem. As a result of this, the chassis was slightly damaged and the necessary repairs took up the rest of the day.

Heidfeld, meanwhile, concentrated on development work on the F1.08B-03 fitted with the conventional engine. He worked on the set-up of the car, collecting more data on the slick tyres as well as the revised bodywork.

“It was a productive day”, the experienced German remarked. “With the weather being much better, we were able to catch up on some of the development time we lost yesterday. My 87 laps today with a problem-free car gave us the opportunity to try a number of different options.”

To see the testing times in full, click here