Nico Hulkenberg outpaces Sebastian Vettel in testing

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.