Williams works for Heidfeld

Nick Heidfeld got to grips with a Williams on his second day testing for the team, finishing the day less than half a second slower than Jerez pacesetter Jacques Villeneuve.

Heidfeld is testing for Williams in a bid to prove he has what it takes to partner Mark Webber in the race team next season and he redeemed himself after a disappointing showing yesterday.

He was easily outpaced yesterday by Webber but today bounced back to go almost a second faster than Antonio Pizzonia, his chief rival for a seat next season.

Villeneuve showed well in setting the fastest time for Sauber, although testing times are notoriously difficult to interpret from afar with teams trying various different set-ups as they develop their 2005 cars.

Vitantonio Liuzzi continued to show good speed as he attempts to earn a race seat with Red Bull next season.

The Italian spun early in the day on a wet track but hit back to claim third, outpacing fellow Red Bull driver Christian Klien again.