Germany's Nico Huelkenberg set the fastest time in Tuesday morning's opening testing session ahead of the 2012 Formula One season at the Montmelo circuit.
The Force India driver clocked a fastest lap of 1min 23.440 after 36 laps ahead of double world champion and compatriot Sebastian Vettel of Red Bull-Renault, who clocked 1min 24.131sec after 29 laps.
Australia's Daniel Ricciardo was third fastest in a Toro-Rosso 1:24.215.
Testing continues until Friday before a final winter practice session in Barcelona from March 1-4 before the opening Grand Prix of the season in Melbourne on March 18.
Times
1. Nico Huelkenberg (GER/Force India-Mercedes) 1:23.440 36 laps
2. Sebastian Vettel (GER/Red Bull-Renault) 1:24.131 29
3. Daniel Ricciardo (AUS/Toro Rosso-Ferrari) 1:24.215 30
4. Lewis Hamilton (GBR/McLaren-Mercedes) 1:24.260 28
5. Michael Schumacher (GER/Mercedes-AMG) 1:25.024 22
6. Fernando Alonso (ESP/Ferrari) 1:25.677 13
7. Bruno Senna (BRA/Williams-Renault) 1:26.342 37
8. Romain Grosjean (FRA/Lotus-Renault) 1:26.809 7
9. Sergio Perez (MEX/Sauber-Ferrari) 1:27.039 8
10. Heikko Kovalainen (FIN/Caterham-Renault) 1:27.537 9
11. Charles Pic (FRA/Marussia-Cosworth) 1:29.248 54
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