It happened so quick - Gene - 24th November 20:22pm GMT

Spaniard Marc Gene has thanked former employers Williams for doing him a favour after his first day as Ferrari test driver. "Everything happened so quickly that I haven't had time to realise that I have joined the best team in the world," the 30-year-old told the Gazzetta dello Sport on Wednesday.

"I needed only a few laps and several hours with the team to understand why they are the champions," added the Spaniard. "I haven't been here a day yet and I already feel at home."

Gene, testing at his home circuit in Barcelona, said Williams had given him plenty of notice they would not be retaining him after fours years as a tester and occasional racer for the BMW-powered team.

"I contacted the top teams and Ferrari were the first to respond," he said. "I don't know why Williams made their decision but, given how things have turned out, they did me a favour.

"Maybe I could have aimed for a drive but there are no doubts. It's better to be a Ferrari test driver than to drive for an uncompetitive team."