WSR Champ Danielsson enjoys Renault test.

A Swede stepped behind the wheel of a Renault Formula 1 car for the first time in 30 years after Alx Danielsson was able to fulfil his prize for triumphing in the 2006 World Series by Renault.

With the reigning Formula 1 champions taking the opportunity to shakedown the cars they will use at the upcoming Warsaw Roadshow, Danielsson took to the wheel of last year's R26 car to do 50 laps of the Stowe configuration of the Silverstone circuit.

Also 30 years since a Swede last stood on a Formula 1 podium when Gunnar Nilsson claimed a third place finish for Lotus in 1977, Danielsson was delighted to finally get a chance to show his mettle at the pinnacle of motorsport.

"It has been a fantastic day," Danielsson, who follows in the footsteps of 2005 WSR Champion and BMW F1 driver Robert Kubica, said. "For any driver, it is a dream to have your first drive at the wheel of an F1 car, and this has been a great opportunity for me. From a personal point of view, my aim was to find my feet in the car and see how quickly I could be in a position to attack the circuit.

"I was pleased when I began driving, because everything felt very natural from the start. After a few acclimatisation runs we made some set-up changes, and I started to get a good feel for the potential performance of a top Formula 1 car.

Danielsson is now hoping the test will help him progress in a career that has somewhat stalled since he was crowned the surprise World Series winner for Comtec Racing, the 26-year-old racing in the Euroseries 3000 with Elk Motorsport this year.

"Of course, now I have had my first taste, I want more - but this has been a fantastic way to start, driving a championship car in a great environment. I want to say a special thank you to the ING Renault F1 Team: they have made this a dream day for me, and also helped take all Formula 1 fans in Sweden closer to the heart of the sport with their open, friendly approach."