Shimoda at Super Nova as GP2 test begins.

Hayanari Shimoda became the latest name in the frame for a GP2 seat this season, after joining former F3000 champion Super Nova for the series' first group test at Paul Ricard.

The Japanese ace, who contested the Formula Renault V6 championship in 2004, is rumoured to have already inked a deal with David Sears' team, although neither Super Nova or Shimoda could be contacted to confirm this detail. Shimoda was, however, at the wheel of a traditionally yellow-and-blue Super Nova machine as the first GP2 group test kicked off in southern France, where he could be joined by Irishman Adam Carroll, if rumours are to be believed.

First out of the pits at Paul Ricard was Nelson Piquet Jr, as the Hitech Piquet team followed up its position as first team to confirm its line-up by being the first to hit the track. With just one car available per team at present - the second chassis and engine is due to be delivered to each of the dozen entrants early next month - Piquet conducted most of the morning's running, alongside one driver from each of the other eleven teams.

Most of the cars appeared in base livery ahead of the season, with the notable exception of Campos Racing, which ran in plain black 'carbon-look' bodywork. Among the notable paintwork on view was Arden's Red Bull Racing look-alike and the Marlboro-adorned scheme at the Nicolas Todt-run ART squad.

More information and images from the test at the end of the day.