Zoom Lewis Hamilton

McLaren Mercedes kicked off a three day test at the Paul Ricard High Technology Test Track this morning.

Lewis Hamilton is at the wheel of the sole MP4-23 today and his plan focused on the team’s preparations for the upcoming Monaco Grand Prix.

Work included set-up development, Bridgestone Potenza tyre testing and evaluation of the Monaco-specific aero package.

Hamilton, second to then team-mate Fernando Alonso last year at Monaco, set the pace today with a best time of 1:05.600s, half a second clear of Kimi Raikkonen.

Heikki Kovalainen takes over from Hamilton on Thursday.

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