The German, relaxed, cruised out of the pit lane with just three minutes remaining in the run and on his one and only flying lap set a new benchmark in all three seconds to top the times with a 1:30.552.

There was pace to spare in the F2005 with Schumacher astonishingly improving his second sector time on the way back to the pits.

It was a much improved performance from the one on Friday that saw the Ferrari star struggle to come to grips with his new equipment.

Renault’s Fernando Alonso, second, could only watch as his rival demolished his time.

The Spaniard would have no other troubles though with the third placed McLaren of Pedro de la Rosa a further second back.

Despite the frantic end to the day’s first 45-minute run, it was a largly sombre affair.

It was eight minutes before a car exited the pit lane and after 25 minutes there was only three times on the board.

Rubens Barrichello continued to wait for a new Ferrari gearbox and, despite attempted repairs, was unable to participate in session three. The new ‘box is expected to be fitted this morning but there is a chance it may not be ready for qualifying this afternoon.

Narain Karthikeyan was a surprise entrant into Formula One’s top ten. Jordan’s Indian ace clocked an impressive 1:32.999 to finish the session ninth fastest.

Jacques Villeneuve continued to struggle in his Sauber C24. The former champion was more than a second off the pace of his team-mate Felipe Massa and finished the session 16th fastest.