Damon Hill launched his driving career with Jordan in Barcelona on Tuesday and hailed the performance of the car he hopes to drive to the Formula One championship.
Hill steered the Jordan Mugen-Honda for 40 laps under sunny skies in a best time of one minute 26.33 seconds.
"It felt great to be back in the driving seat, and my new car felt fantastic," he said. "It is wonderful to feel the adrenaline pumping again after such a long break."
Hill sat behind the wheel for 12 laps on Tuesday, but did not begin serious testing until yesterday.
"I must admit to feeling a little nervous when I first stepped into the car," the former champion said. "Many of the features of the new car are different to those I am used to, such as the control systems for example, and I was anxious to see how it would feel after so many months away.
"Because of the regulation changes, the car has less grip than last year, but it is still fantastic to drive. When I got out of the car yesterday, I had a huge grin on my face.
"Today we are into serious testing, but we have not had any major problems, which is no mean feat for a completely new car. I am impressed by how the team is working, and my relationship with everyone is gelling very nicely," Hill said yesterday.
Meanwhile, veteran team chief Ken Tyrrell yesterday contemplated life without Formula One when he appeared at the launch of his team's last car before being taken over by British American Racing.
The 73-year-old, who entered Grand Prix racing in 1968, was present at an unveiling ceremony with a difference at a London restaurant.
Tyrrell said: "People have suggested I may take an ambassadorial role for the sport, but I can't see that happening with me and the FIA.
"I am sure Formula One will carry on and do very well without me - but I am not so sure about me doing well without Formula One."
Tyrrell sold his team to British American Racing in December last year and signalled that he hoped his final season as a race team chief would be one to remember.
"I think podium finishes are on the cards for us this year, particularly since we will have the improved power and reliability of the Ford V10 engine."
Current Formula One team chief Peter Sauber said yesterday that the combined experience of drivers Jean Alesi and Johnny Herbert should earn his Formula One team "a lot of points" this season.
"We hope to get a lot of points and some podium places," he said at the launch of the new Sauber Petronas C17.
Herbert, who with Alesi forms the most experienced Formula One pairing with 248 Grand Prix starts, said Sauber could finish in the top five in the championship.
The new Formula One season begins with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 8th.
Hill was third fastest behind Williams drivers Heinz-Harald Frentzen and Jacques Villeneuve.
German Frentzen notched up a fastest lap of 1:22.18, while world champion Villeneuve, of Canada, clocked 1:24.66.
