Renault test driver Fernando Alonso tried out Jaguar's R3 Formula One car on Thursday at a wet and windy Silverstone circuit.

The 20-year-old completed 51 laps with a best time less than a 10th of a second faster than regular Jaguar race driver Pedro de la Rosa.

Alonso was third fastest on the day behind Ferrari's Rubens Barrichello and Toyota driver Allan McNish.

A Jaguar spokesman described the session as "a healthy day's work".

Alonso set a best time of one minute 22.771 seconds, with De la Rosa on 1:22.811.

Jaguar said the test was to provide them with a benchmark from which to evaluate their young drivers, who ran earlier in the week.

That was Germany's Andre Lotterer, who drove on Tuesday and Australian James Courtney, who was in the car on Wednesday.

It is widely believed that Jaguar are considering hiring Alonso for 2003 - Eddie Irvine's expensive contract is up for renewal this season and he is not expected to stay on.

Alonso had been seen as a candidate to replace Renault's Jenson Button when the English driver's contract expires at the end of the year.

But Button is now tipped to stay at the French team after much improved performances.