“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.”
