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          Mercedes debuts own version of shark fin during testing

          BARCELONA, Spain -- Mercedes has introduced a unique take on the shark fin during the opening afternoon of testing at Spain's Circuit de Catalunya.

          Mercedes was the only 2017 car to launch without the fin at the tail of the car. It always intended to test one this week, as well as the T-wing which was on Valtteri Bottas' car on Monday morning at the start of winter testing. Lewis Hamilton took over testing duties from Bottas for the afternoon and, as well as debuting his new-look red and yellow helmet, the world champion also hit the track with a new piece to the back of the car.

          In contrast to the other designs seen so far, Mercedes' had a large cooling duct at the top of the fin, which was also significantly shorter than its rivals' interpretations. The T-wing -- positioned between the rear assembly and shark fin -- remained on the car for the afternoon session.