The Brazilian, who currently shares the lead of the Drivers’ Championship with team-mate Kimi Raikkonen and McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton, was the only driver to lap inside one minute 15 seconds with a best time of 1:14.989s.

Hamilton was quickest on the opening two days of testing at the 4.574 km track, which plays host to the German Grand Prix next weekend.

“It was a good day’s work,” said Massa in a team statement. “We did a lot of kilometres and I have to say the car felt well balanced. This can only mean we should also be competitive at this track, which is also the case for our main rivals.”