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Hamilton quickest again at wet Hockenheim test

(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-07-09 10:27

LONDON - British Grand Prix winner Lewis Hamilton led the way in the wet again on Tuesday as Formula One teams tested at Germany's Hockenheim circuit for the first time since 1993.

The 23-year-old McLaren driver, who leads a three-way tie with Ferrari's Felipe Massa and Kimi Raikkonen at the top of the standings halfway through the season, lapped the venue for next week's German Grand Prix in one minute 15.483 seconds.

McLaren Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain celebrates after winning the Silverstone Formula One Grand Prix, in Silverstone, England, Sunday July 6, 2008. [Agencies]

His Mercedes-powered team ran a new aerodynamic dorsal fin, similar to those used by Renault and Red Bull this season, on top of the engine cover of the MP4-23 car.

McLaren F1 chief executive Martin Whitmarsh said after Sunday's race at Silverstone that the team would be looking for another strong showing at partners Mercedes' home track.

"We're going to continue to improve the car and Ferrari are going to fight back, that's for sure," he said.

"No-one can say how competitive we'll be in Hockenheim, but I'll be disappointed if we're not and I also recognise that we've actually got to really keep pushing hard.

"They (Ferrari) are going to be back and fighting...we'll be bolting bits on our car to make it better and so will they. They've got two very quick and committed drivers so we are in for real tough competition."

With strong winds and intermittent showers throughout the day making life difficult for drivers and engineers, world champion Raikkonen was second quickest in 1:15.803, according to unofficial times issued by the teams.

Germany's Nico Rosberg, without a point in his last four races, was third fastest ahead of Force India compatriot Adrian Sutil.

Hockenheim returns to the Formula One calendar this season after a year's absence following the decision to alternate hosting of the German Grand Prix with the Nuerburgring.