Mugello test - 26-28 September.

The Sauber team completed three days of testing at the Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello today [Thursday], and with it its preparation for next weekend's Japanese GP at Suzuka.

Running with two rookies provided both Kimi Raikkonen and Enrique Bernoldi with more time to adapt to a Formula One car, and neither disappointed. R?ikk?nen, the British FRenault champion, completed his scheduled running with 36 laps on this morning, before handing over to Enrique Bernoldi. The Finn's best time was 1min 26.43secs, which proved to be second fastest of the day behind Ferrari's Michael Schumacher, while Bernoldi clocked 1min 26.48secs.

"Kimi continued our set-up programme this morning, focusing on mechanical and aerodynamic work for Suzuka," revealed test team boss.Jacky Eeckelaert, "In particular, we worked hard on getting the car to change direction quickly and accurately, because the critical Esses section at Suzuka requires good high-speed directional stability. This afternoon Enrique confirmed the set-up."

"This week has given me a further opportunity to gain experience of F1, and I felt very settled," Raikkonen added, "We worked hard and achieved a good set-up for next week's race."

Bernoldi was pleased enough with his performance despite enjoying less track time than his inexperienced test mate on the third and final day of running.

"I only did a handful of laps before lunch, but my best time was set when the track was a lot hotter than it had been early in the day, so that was a good improvement," he said, "This afternoon we continued that work. This week is the first time that I've done three consecutive days of F1 testing, rather than just half a day here and there, and I've really enjoyed it. I've had no problems physically, thanks to my F3000 experience, and we have had a very productive test."

Schumacher topped the times, despite the outing being his first time back in the Ferrari since winning at Indianapolis last weekend. The German worked on set-up and aerodynamics ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix, and also carried out some tyre testing as he completed 56 laps of the Tuscan circuit. His day ended prematurely with a gearbox glitch.

"Today we definitely made some steps forward," Schumacher said, "There were a few small changes to the car, but it was the new tyres which gave the improved performance."

Leading performances (28 September):

Michael Schumacher Ferrari-Ferrari 1min 24.71secs
Kimi R?ikk?nen Sauber-Petronas 1min 26.43secs
Enrique Bernoldi Sauber-Petronas 1min 26.48secs