British driver Paul di Resta marked his Formula One track debut for a grand prix weekend with the 11th fastest lap during the first free practice for the Australian Grand Prix.
The 23-year old test driver replaced Force India's regular racer Adrian Sutil for the session on Albert Park circuit and finished one spot above seven-times world champion Michael Schumacher.
Scotsman Di Resta had admitted to a bout of nerves before jumping in the car but was a study in calm after the session, which he said had run "really quite simply".
"It's just enjoying the moment," Di Resta told a small group of reporters. "We didn't go into the session thinking about the timesheets, but of course it's always a bonus when you're relatively halfway up the grid."
Di Resta, whose team mate Vitantonio Liuzzi was 10th fastest, will drive another practice session in Malaysia next week.
"Hopefully it's a good foundation to build on for the upcoming races," he added.
"It's just about building myself up and feeling more comfortable in the environment there."
