Before Formula 1 testing resumed in Barcelona on Tuesday morning, Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg officially launched Mercedes’ new F1 W03. The silver arrows have already run the car, in a filming day at Silverstone and private Catalonia test on Sunday, with the seven-time World Champion now continuing the programme.
It was a chilly start in Spain, with ambient temperatures barely creeping over freezing point despite the abundant sunshine and blue skies. Both Mercedes drivers appeared to be in a distinctly positive mood, with the launch taking place at 8:20am.
"The F1 W03 is a car that I believe, and hope, our team can be proud of and which will deliver the on-track results that everybody has worked so hard to achieve," says Team Principal Ross Brawn.
"Notwithstanding the distinctive nose design, which is certainly an acquired taste, the F1 W03 is an elegant interpretation of the current regulations and a clear step forward over its predecessor in terms of detail design and sophistication.
"Last year, we produced a very bold car and, although its more radical elements didn't always deliver the results we had hoped for, the experience we gained has been invaluable to the design of the 2012 car."
Following the general trend for 2012, the Mercedes features a new-look ‘platypus’ nose in-line with the changed safety regulations which dictate that the front ends of cars must be lower. The Brackley team has also annouced new sponsorship deals with solar company Isofoton and jewellery designer Thomas Sabo.
Also from Tuesday's Mercedes launch:
- Mercedes duo encouraged by new car
- Photos of the launch presentation
Barcelona testing can be tracked through the GPUpdate.net Live Test Report
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