From GMM

Team McLaren-Mercedes debuted a 'shark-fin' style engine cover as three days of formula one testing got underway at German grand prix venue Hockenheim on Tuesday.

Rain showers were an unwelcome element on the first of the three days of action, but the weather did not stop Silverstone winner Lewis Hamilton from giving the striking bodywork addition its maiden runs.

Similar bodywork is already being used by Red Bull, Toro Rosso and Renault in 2008, and Force India joined the growing 'shark-fin' club at the recent Silverstone test and British grand prix.

All ten F1 teams were testing at Hockenheim on Tuesday. Also on driving duties were Nico Rosberg (Williams), Adrian Sutil (Force India), Nick Heidfeld (BMW-Sauber), Nelson Piquet (Renault), Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari), Sebastien Bourdais (Toro Rosso), David Coulthard (Red Bull), Kamui Kobayashi (Toyota) and Alex Wurz (Honda).

Tuesday times:
1 Lewis Hamilton Vodafone McLaren Mercedes 1m15.483 75
2 Kimi Raikkonen Ferrari 1m15.803 63
3 Nico Rosberg Williams 1m16.099 87
4 Adrian Sutil Force India 1m16.516 97
5 Sebastien Bourdais Scuderia Toro Rosso 1m16.533 113
6 Kamui Kobayashi Toyota 1m16.570 65
7 Nick Heidfeld BMW Sauber 1m16.593 59
8 Nelson Piquet Renault 1m16.856 111
9 David Coulthard Red Bull Racing 1m17.361 67
10 Alex Wurz Honda Racing 1m17.825 90
*no official times available



Photo Credit : Vodafone McLaren Mercedes