Monza, Test driver Tonio Liuzzi posted the eighth fastest time while running a hiccup-free 99 laps as Force India kick-started its three-day test at the Autodromo Nazionale di Monza here in style.

On day one, the Vijay Mallya-owned outfit conducted set-up and aero work that will be unique to this event and the forthcoming Italian Grand Prix on the 5.793km high-speed, low downforce track.

Liuzzi completed 99 laps in total, with a best lap time of 1min 24.239, the eighth quickest time of the day.

Adrian Sutil will take over from the Italian with Giancarlo Fisichella bringing the test to a close tomorrow.

“We tried to get a good set-up for the rest of the test and the race in just a couple of weeks time, and I think we can be happy with how it went today,” Liuzzi said.

“The grip levels were very low and it was quite difficult with the tyres we had, and especially as I had not been in the car for some time for a real test. We did make some good progress though, almost 100 laps with no problems and we are not too far from the others in the times either,” he added.

Chief race and test engineer Dominic Harlow too was pleased with the output.

“With the aero configuration for Monza being dramatically different to any other track we visit on the calendar, today’s programme focussed on evaluating different set-ups and wing levels specifically for the Italian Grand Prix.”

“We also conducted some work on engine mapping, brake testing and tyre evaluation…Overall, we had a good day and are pretty happy with the information we gathered, it’s been a good start to the test,” Harlow added.

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