GreenBkk.com Formula 1 | Merc: Always a thrill to launch a new car

Merc: Always a thrill to launch a new car

Mercedes GP have lifted the lid on their 2011 challenger ahead of the first day of pre-season testing.

Having endured a disappointing 2010 season, the team began development on this year's model before the conclusion of last season.

The result is the W02 which like many other team's challengers includes a higher noise. Changes have also been made to the sidepod and airbox.

The 2011 livery features more green than in 2010, with sponsor Petronas featuring prominently.

"It is always a thrill to see a new car ready to take the track for the first time and this year is no exception," said team boss Ross Brawn.

"After our first year as the Mercedes-Benz works team, we are now seeing the benefits of our chassis and engine groups working well together.

"With a good technical structure and a strengthened race engineering organisation, both at the factory and the race track, I am confident that we have done and will continue to do a better job this year in all key areas.

"The concept development for the MGP W02 started early and we have set challenging targets for the design, combined with a robust plan to ensure that the pace of development can continue throughout the long 2011 season.

"We have two excellent drivers in Michael and Nico, both of whom capable of winning races in a good car, and we look forward to seeing them push each other and the development of the new Silver Arrow during the season.

"We want to be setting the standard right from the start but if we are not, we will respond very strongly to get ourselves into the game. Everyone is excitedly waiting to see what the new season will reveal."

Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg will get an immediate taste of the W02, with the duo sharing the testing duties on day one.

And Rosberg is confident that a "stronger" season awaits his Merc GP team.

"I am very much looking forward to having a much stronger season than last year and as always, our targets are aggressive," said the German.

"We want to be competing at the front and challenging for race wins. Everyone at our factories in Brackley and Brixworth has worked extremely hard on the new Silver Arrow and we are all looking forward to seeing how it performs."

Credit: PlanetF1.com (www.planetf1.com)