In the morning Sato made a good start to the day, completing 42 laps and carrying out development with brake components, Honda’s engine programme, launch control, and general set up work. He set the eighth quickest lap time of 1:15.04.

The team converted the EJ12’s driver specification at lunch time and Fisichella took over in the afternoon, with a test schedule similar to the morning programme. Unfortunately he was unable to run for more than seven laps, due to a prolonged red flag period and subsequently a small fuel leak, which limited his mileage on the track.

The Italian's fastest time was 1:15.79, ending the day just behind his teammate, and he will complete the three-day test tomorrow.