Barcelona: Germany's Nico Hulkenberg 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 with a time of 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.