"My first day...went really well," said the 1997 world champion in a team statement after clocking the day's third fastest time at Barcelona's [ Images ] Circuit de Catalunya.

"I had spent enough time in the factory for the seat fitting, so I felt immediately comfortable in the car. I did a lot of laps today and the times were good," he added.

"In addition, the car ran absolutely reliably, we had no technical problems whatsoever. So it was really a very productive first day."

Villeneuve, 33, has signed a two-year deal with the Swiss-based team. He made his race comeback with Renault [ Images ] in the last three grands prix of this year after being dropped by BAR in 2003.

"We have a good basis and I am confident that we can continue this work in a positive way during our next test in Jerez," said the Canadian, son of the late Ferrari [ Images ] great Gilles Villeneuve.

Toyota's [ Images ] Brazilian test driver Ricardo Zonta was fastest on the last day of testing in Barcelona this year, ahead of compatriot Antonio Pizzonia in a Williams.

The circuit will now be resurfaced, with the work due to be finished by mid-January