Sutil's best time was posted while running on slick tyres although a minor clutch issue did lead to a small delay in his time on track. However, he still managed to complete more than 100 laps over the course of the day and said that there were noticeable improvements compared to the last time the Silverstone-based squad tested at the Spanish venue.
"I was quite happy with today," he said. "We did a lot of running, which wasn't bad considering the small problem we had in the morning, and the car has improved a lot since the last time we were here in February. I think it looks good for the race. I also tried out slicks, which was my first time this year, and was really impressed. The grip is just amazing, especially in the last sector, but it is also very physical on your neck muscles. I'm looking forward to it already!"
Robert Kubica completed a mixed programme during the day for
BMW Sauber en-route to the fourth quickest time. The Pole spent the morning working on set-up ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix before then completing early base work for the 2009 season during the afternoon – meaning he took the track using slick tyres.
However, a technical problem saw Kubica go off into the barriers at turn five with little more than an hour of running remaining with damage to the front suspension and the front wing of his
F1.08. The team will now examine the problem ahead of the final day of running tomorrow.
Nico Rosberg was fifth quickest for
Williams as he worked with the standard 2008 tyres and carried out set-up work for next weekends race, with a minor technical problem briefly halted his programme during the morning.
Rubens Barrichello completed the top six for
Honda having set the pace during the second day of the test.
Lewis Hamilton was seventh fastest for
McLaren as the Woking-based tea continued to work on evaluation of it's pre-Spain upgrade package, while
Sebastien Bourdais was eighth on his first run in the new Toro Rosso STR3. However, the Frenchman saw his day come to an early conclusion when he went off heavily into the barriers.
