The Texan was in a confident mood as he lapped the 3.04-mile circuit more than one second inside the existing lap record.

"We tested here last week so I knew we'd be quick straight out of the box today," said Edwards. "But we've got tomorrow's action to go and I'd like to think we could try a qualifying tyre and get a chunk of time off my best lap today."

"We had a couple of tyres to try and a few new suspension settings and in general we're happy with the progress today," continued Edwards. "At the very end of the session I tried a brand new Superpole tyre but ran out of time and didn't really get the final lap I was looking for."

Edwards leads the world championship by a single point but the 28-year-old remains in a relaxed state as he builds towards Sunday's two 21-lap races.

"I am pretty relaxed, no need to be anything else. I'm feeling more tension from watching the Ryder Cup golf on TV today," added keen golfer Edwards.