MF1 happy with Winkelhock, del Monte and Rusinov.

Midland MF1 Racing chief race and test engineer Dominic Harlow has praised Markus Winkelhock, Fabrizio del Monte and Roman Rusinov following their first test with the team on Saturday.

Speaking after seeing them share driving duties in the EJ15B, Harlow added that none of them 'put a foot wrong' while acclimatising to the car and then working on a tyre programme for Bridgestone.

"We completed the fourth full day of this two-car test here in Jerez today [Saturday]," said Harlow.

"[Race driver] Christijan Albers conducted some tyre testing and some set-up and control systems work [in the EJ15B V8]. We have now gathered a considerable amount of data on the new engine formula for 2006 and will spend the coming days analysing this in preparation for a resumption of testing in the new year.

"We also took the opportunity to evaluate three new drivers in Markus Winkelhock, Fabrizio del Monte and Roman Rusinov. Each of them acquitted themselves very well and really did not put a foot wrong all day. Our final job here will be Sunday when we are using one of our cars for an intensive wet tyre test for our tyre supplier Bridgestone."

Winkelhock was the quickest of the four MF1 drivers on track Saturday, the German managing a 1m 20.8s lap - although he also notched up the most laps - 53, while Rusinov did 30, del Monte 28 and Albers 24.

"It went very well," said Winkelhock. "At the beginning, the first few laps seemed very fast as there is so much downforce in the quick corners and it is incredible how late you can break. But then I got used to it and I felt very quickly confident with the car and drove for around three hours. The team was great to work with as they really made me feel like a part of them. It was really a fantastic experience for me to drive a F1 car and I have really enjoyed it."

del Monte was also pleased, the Italian getting his first run in an F1 car since his last outing back in 2003 with Minardi.

"It has been a really good day and I am very happy to be here with MF1 Racing. I would like to thank them for the opportunity they have given me. The car was fantastic to drive," he added. "I've already tested a Formula One car two years ago, so I knew what to expect, although it was a lot quicker than before. Jerez is a good but demanding circuit. I won here in F3000. There are some very fast and slow corners so you can get a good set-up. I felt very confident in the car and with the team. It has been a great experience for me."